The New York Rangers missed an opportunity when they traveled to the Sunshine State to grab command of the Eastern Conference final. Tampa Bay grabbed two victories to even the series, and the pressure will shift back to the Rangers as they head back to Madison Square Garden.
After New York lost a marathon overtime decision in its first home playoff game, the Rangers responded by winning eight straight at home.
NHL betting stats show that Tampa Bay has shaken off its poor start and are back on the right path. Particularly Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has rebounded after a slow start to the series.
This game represents a major tipping point, and a win by either team in Game 5 could serve as a major turning point to see who meets Colorado in the Stanley Cup.
Matchup Information
Lightning at Rangers Stats
Tampa Bay stats
Tampa Bay avoided its typical slow start during Game 4. The Lightning was quick to establish their dominance in Game 4. Tampa Bay received goals from Pat Maroon, Nikita Kucherov, and Steven Stamkos to build a 3-0 lead. The Lightning won despite going 0-for-3 on the power play.
What was important for Tampa Bay was keeping the Rangers off the power play. The Lightning did concede a power-play goal but only had to try and kill off two penalties. Defensively, Tampa Bay gave a strong all-around effort blocking 17 shots.
The blocked shots were a big benefit for Vasilevskiy, who made 34 saves. Tampa Bay was able to recover despite giving the puck away six more times. The Lightning may benefit from the return of Brayden Point. His status is unknown, but there is a possibility he could return.
New York stats
The Rangers are hoping to get more pucks on the net will lead to a breakthrough at home. New York’s NHL expert picks do show, though, that the Rangers haven’t had any issues scoring at home. In the Rangers’ last two playoff games, New York has registered six goals.
The Rangers, however, have had issues with generating shots during five-on-five action. New York has had an edge in physicality, outhitting Tampa Bay 35-27. The Rangers again scored on the power play in Game 4.
New York left wing Artemi Panarin score the Rangers’ only goalie during a 6-on-4 situation with their net empty. Struggles on the road aren’t new to New York during this playoff run. The Rangers are 2-7 away from home thus far this season.
Matchup betting trends
- Tampa Bay is 47-50 against the puck line.
- New York is 53-47 against the puck line.
- The over has gone 50-45 in the Lightning’s games this season.
- The over has gone 42-55 in the Rangers’ games this season.
- Three of the four games in this series have gone under the total.
- The home team has won the first four games in this series.
Lightning at Rangers Predictions
NHL betting odds have the Lightning as a -134 favorite, while the Rangers are +116. The over/under has been set at 5.5 goals.
When it comes to NHL betting picks in this series, there is no doubt Tampa Bay is the team many people believe will win this series. The Lightning has been the favorite in all five games, even on the road. Tampa Bay being the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, has clearly earned the respect of many observers.
However, things have been different at Madison Square Garden. New York has been able to pour more pressure on and get pucks past Vasilveskiy.
The question for the Rangers will be if they can sustain that type of production now that the series is even. New York, especially in Game 3, missed an opportunity to come back home with a 3-1 lead.
It appears Tampa Bay has figured out its less experienced opponents.
The Lightning will halt New York’s hot streak at home and take a 3-2 series lead by winning as -134 favorites in Game 5.
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