Just running down the list:
Special Teams: Even (2 years ago: Rangers, modest edge)
Depth: Even (2 years ago: Canes, big edge)
Faceoffs: Even (2 years ago: Canes, big edge)
Physicality: Even (2 years ago: Canes, modest edge)
5v5: Canes, big edge (unchanged)
Goaltending: Rangers, big edge (unchanged)
Scoring Talent: Rangers, slight edge (2 years ago: Rangers, big edge)
Coaching: Even (2 years ago: Canes, slight edge)
I think the Rangers completely closed the gaps on depth/faceoffs/physicality/coaching, and the Canes closed the gap on special teams and narrowed the gap on scoring talent w/ the Guentzel add and progression of Jarvis/Necas. The Rangers were sizable underdogs two years ago and Igor stole it. This time around is a closer matchup in every department except two, and those two haven't changed at all from 2 years ago: 5v5 and goaltending. We talk all of the time about how the Rangers shouldn't pay Shesterkin his next contract because it's not how you build a Cup winner, and that teams should spend the money on the rest of the team because if the team is playing the right way at 5v5, then the goalie matters less. The reason for that is that, more often than not, great 5v5 play matters more than paying a great goalie. The Canes have that edge. They will have the puck in the Rangers' end of the ice more in this series. They will generate more chances, and they have a more cohesive forecheck. This is all pretty guaranteed to happen. This is why the betting odds will favor the Canes, and it should, but it's not a lock. The Rangers will need Shesterkin to be the difference again, and he's capable.