New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Picks and Odds April 5
New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction Preview
WagerTalk NHL handicapper Kevin Dolan breaks down this New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning matchup giving expert prediction and picks before 7:30pm ET puck drop. Both the Rangers and Lightning sit in 3rd place of their respective division heading into this game.
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New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Odds
| Wednesday, April 5 | NHL Betting Notes |
|---|---|
| Moneyline: | New York Rangers -120 vs Tampa Bay Lightning +100 |
| Puckline: | Rangers -1.5 (+215) / Lightning +1.5 (-255) |
| Total: | 6 (Over -110 / Under -110) |
| Arena: | Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Odds Above From DraftKings) |
| Game Time: | 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT |
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New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Analysis
It’s been three electric performances on the bounce for the Tampa Bay Lightning heading into this one as they look to mount a final charge to catch the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second spot in the division, an unlikely proposition given a current four-point gap and how few games remain on the season for them however.
The New York Rangers meanwhile find themselves in a similar spot to their current opponents, sitting in the third spot in the division with a chance to catch the New Jersey Devils in second.
However, a loss on Thursday night against those same Devils definitely didn’t help matters, but with St. Louis, Columbus, and Buffalo all on deck for the Rangers as their next three opponents after tonight’s game, New York is definitely still in with a shot of catching New Jersey ahead of the playoffs.
This will be the third and final meeting between these two teams this season after both teams split the series so far with respective wins at home.
That’s been the major trend in this series over the last few seasons as well, with the home team winning seven of the last eight contests between the pair.
Vasilevskiy Hits Top Form Again
Despite being a top-five ranked goalie on the season so far regardless, Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has really taken it to the next level over his last few starts, posting an insane .977 SV% average against the Islanders, Capitals, Hurricanes, and Bruins respectively.
Two of those games came as outright shutouts as well, a number that makes up half of Vasilevskiy’s entire shutout total this season so far, and if he can continue that level of performance moving forward, yet another Stanley Cup final may be in the works for this Tampa Bay Lightning team down the road.
Numbers Not Stacking Up For Rangers
The New York Rangers enter this game with officially the 4th best defense in the entire league this season, allowing just 2.66 GAPG on average, with the 9th fewest power play goals allowed as well.
However, on expected goals data, it’s been a much different story as the Rangers haven’t been nearly as impressive as those initial numbers suggest, ranking all the way down in 20th in defensive xGA this year, and 18th on opponent high-danger chances allowed also.
New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Expert Prediction
We simply can’t step in front of the Tampa Bay Lightning given their current form ahead of this one, especially with an offense that has put up 14 goals across just their last three starts and accompanied that with two shutouts as well. At a slight underdog price here on Wednesday, we’re happy to side with the Lightning in this one.
Only the Boston Bruins have benefitted from a more lopsided expected goals differential this year than the New York Rangers have as their defensive numbers simply haven’t matched up to what the data suggests, and a team like Tampa Bay will no doubt look to test that theory later tonight in MSG.
Take the Tampa Bay Lightning to get the outright win as short underdogs on the road on Wednesday against the New York Rangers.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning Moneyline (-105)
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Puck Time | NHL Betting Preview April 5
Join Andrew McInnis, Carmine Bianco and Don Buster for Wednesday’s Puck Time as our panel of professional hockey handicappers break down tonight’s NHL betting card. Join the Puck Time crew every week day at 11am ET / 8am PT as we discuss the NHL betting slate from a variety of handicapping angles.
NHL Live Odds Screen
WagerTalk’s Live Odds Screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track the moneylines, pucklines, totals and betting percentages for all of Wednesday’s NHL action, including this New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning showdown, from your desktop or phone.
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Meet the Author
‘The Irishman’ Kevin Dolan came to prominence by becoming the first foreigner ever to win the World Series of Handicapping tournament in Las Vegas back in 2015, something he’s since followed up by winning numerous accolades and awards. Working exclusively with Wagertalk, his systematic and analytical approach to soccer betting, among others, ensures substantial long-term profits for both him and his clients.
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