The Tampa Bay Lightning will attempt to even up the series as they take on the New York Rangers in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. It's time to continue our NHL odds coverage with a Lightning-Rangers Game 2 prediction and pick.
The Rangers destroyed the Lightning 6-2 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It was a close game for the first portion of the game, with the Lightning tying it up twice after trailing. However, the Rangers flipped the script midway through the second period when Filip Chytil scored two goals to put the Rangers up 4-2, heading into the third. New York never looked back and finished off the Lightning 6-2.
The Lightning struggled offensively as Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman failed to score. They fired everything they could at goalie Igor Shesterkin, who made 37 saves. Meanwhile, Tampa goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy struggled, stopping just 28 of 34 shots.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Lightning-Rangers odds:
NHL Playoff Odds: Lightning-Rangers Odds
Lightning: -1.5 (+202) ML (-134)
Rangers: +1.5 (-250) ML (+112)
Over: 5.5 (+100)
Under: 5.5 (-122)
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Why The Lightning Could Cover The Spread
What are the odds that neither Kucherov nor Hedman scores again? It does not happen very often and is unlikely to happen again. However, this scoreless game made it two in a row for Kuchervov. He did not score in the series-clinching victory over the Florida Panthers and now has four scoreless games in the playoffs. It was also the second scoreless game in a row for Hedman and his fifth of the playoffs. While the Lightning are certainly loaded, they need their two best players to contribute.
Vasilevskiy looked nothing like the ace goaltender that destroyed the Panthers and more like the guy that struggled against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was the most goals he gave up in the playoffs since Game 1 against Toronto when the Leafs blanked the Lightning 5-o. Naturally, the Lightning bounced back from that defeat by winning Game 2. Can the Lightning do that again? They need Vasilevskiy to be on his best and for everything to go right.
Tampa Bay also needs to do better in the face-off circle, where they won just 40 percent of the draws. Additionally, the Lightning must convert their power-play chances, where they went 0 for 3. The penalty kill was not so good either, as they allowed the Rangers to go 1 for 2 on the power play. Defense and goaltending was the only thing that stood out, as the Lightning and Rangers were dead even in hits and blocks. A horrific second period led to the Rangers taking the game.
Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist, while Anthony Cirelli produced two assists. However, Tampa Bay needs more from its offense and they certainly expect more. The Lightning will cover the spread if Kucherov and Hedman both can score. Additionally, they take care of business if Vasilevskiy bounces back. The Lightning needs to find a way to solve Shesterkin.
Why the Rangers Could Cover The Spread
Can the Rangers sustain the high-level play? Usually, when a team scores plenty of goals, they fall back down to Earth. Along with Chytil, the Rangers got production out of Mike Zibanejad, Frank Vatrano, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and Alexis Lafreniere. Vatrano had a goal and an assist, while Zibanejad and Panarin did the same. Additionally, Fox and Lafreniere both produced two assists. Let's look at the long-term hot stats.
Chytil has five points in three games and is heating up at the best time. Zibanejad has scored in six straight playoff games, as well as 10 points in six games. Likewise, Fox has also scored in six straight playoff games, with 10 points in six games. The Rangers thrive the most when they get production from all facets of the offense. Andrew Copp is another example, as he has scored 13 points in 15 playoff games. But the Rangers would not be where they are without Shesterkin.
He delivered another masterful performance and has allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his last eight games. Shesterkin produced identical numbers of 37 saves in each of the last three games. Right now, he is the MVP for these playoffs, and his play could be the difference-maker throughout the rest of the series.
The Rangers will cover the spread if they dominate the face-off circle again. Additionally, they cover if they can once more convert on their power-play chances. New York must contain Kucherov and Hedman to put themselves in the driver's seat.
Final Lightning-Rangers Game 2 Prediction & Pick
The Rangers showed how good they can play. This game will certainly be closer. However, there is no value in picking the Rangers to cover the spread. There is value in a money-line pick, and the Rangers are talented enough to sneak by with a win.
Final Lightning-Rangers Game 2 Prediction & Pick: Rangers ML (+112)
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