The Tampa Bay Lightning can finally breathe. Any level of comfort the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions have created should worry the New York Rangers.
While the Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the series, dropping a one-goal decision in Game 3 could be a turning point.
As the series stays in Florida, NHL expert picks will likely see Tampa Bay accrue a lot of support. The Lightning have a lot of players with championship experience, while the Rangers didn’t have many with deep playoff runs on their resume.
Another win at home will have Tampa Bay headed back to Madison Square Garden, looking to take control. New York doesn’t want to see that momentum keep building.
Last game records
Tampa Bay beat New York 3-2 at home Sunday afternoon. The Rangers lead the series 2-1.
Matchup information
Rangers at Lightning Betting Analysis
New York Analysis
The Rangers showed some of their youth for the first time in the series in Game 3. New York scored the first two goals of the game and seemed poised to really make Tampa Bay’s fans sweat. However, for the first time this series, the Rangers wilted.
NHL betting stats show the Rangers had a hard time staying out of the penalty box. New York was given six penalties and had 12 penalty minutes. The Rangers also allowed Tampa Bay to take the puck away 13 times.
New York goalie Igor Shesterkin had a strong performance again for the Rangers, despite being under heavy pressure. Shesterkin made 49 stops for New York. There could have been more shots that got to Shesterkin, but the Rangers also blocked 19 shots.
Rangers stars Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad each scored a goal.
Tampa Bay Analysis
The Lightning continued to put a strong amount of pressure on New York’s offense. Tampa Bay held a 52-30 edge in shots on the net. NHL betting picks show the Lightning were able to steal a late victory by scoring on two of its four power-play opportunities.
Tampa Bay still had issues going to the penalty box, committing five penalties that the Rangers were able to turn into two goals. The Lightning were able to rally in the third period thanks to their sustained pressure paying off.
Stephen Stamkos scored early in the period to tie the game, while Ondrej Palat scored the game-winning goal with 46 seconds remaining in the game.
Tampa Bay was able to rally also by matching New York’s intensity. The Lightning held a 38-37 edge in hits. Tampa Bay also blocked nine shots.
Updates
Tampa Bay center Brayden Point is still banged up with a leg injury.
- New York is 53-46 against the puck line.
- Tampa Bay is 46-50 against the puck line.
- The over has gone 42-54 in the Rangers’ games this season.
- The over has gone 50-44 in the Lightning’s games this season.
- Three of New York’s last four wins have come as a betting underdog.
- Seven of Tampa Bay’s last eight games have gone under the total.
Rangers at Lightning Betting Preview
NHL betting odds have the Lightning at -180 favorites. The Rangers are +10. The over/under is 5.5 goals.
Rangers at Lightning Prediction
The Rangers have been able to win despite being outshot by Tampa Bay in every game. New York has leaned on Shesterkin’s excellence to help them get a leg up in the series.
However, this is the type of swing game that could make or break a franchise. With a win in Tampa Bay, the Rangers will push the Lightning to the brink of elimination as they head home.
However, Tampa Bay showed in the last game that the Lightning isn’t willing to go down without a fight. The two-time defending championships haven’t run out of gas yet.
Tampa Bay will need to harness the energy from their emotional Game 3 victory to grab another win. The Lightning should be able to persist and shift the pressure in the series onto the young Rangers.
How to bet on Rangers at Lightning
Bet Tampa Bay -180.
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