You couldn’t have asked for more of a snooze fest in Game 1.

That’s largely due to a Panthers forecheck that kept the Rangers paralyzed in their own end for most of the game.

Once New York ever did regain possession, it was turnovers galore followed by more puck chasing all to renew the same vicious cycle. 

With the risk of falling to 0-2 in the series heading to Florida, Friday is when Peter Laviolette’s burden of ample lineup decisions becomes a benefit. 

There are several healthy Blueshirts waiting in the wings who can offer a change in dynamic, but the goose egg was more an effort problem for the Rangers than it was selection of personnel. 

Ironically, the Rangers outmatched the Panthers in high-danger chances, 10-9.

There was some tough luck rung off posts and key saves from Sergei Bobrovsky on the 24 shots that did find him. 

Most of us expected the Over to cash in Game 1, with Florida’s rough-and-rowdy knack for penalties pitted against a hot power play.

Both power plays went scoreless in a game in which the officials took a conspicuously passive approach and mingling between whistles was suspiciously low. 

This game felt like a 60-minute meet-and-greet. 

Tough breaks happen in hockey, but Rangers’ speed and skill can only move up from zero in Game 2. 

I’m looking for both sides to turn up the muted volume in extracurricular activity, so anything longer than even money makes the Over attractive. 

The play: Rangers-Panthers Over 5.5 (+105, BetMGM).