There are a lot of factors that go into a team making a playoff run that leads them to a Stanley Cup. Momentum is one of those factors, as we regularly see teams manage to dig out of a hole and get on a run. The Tampa Bay Lightning had the momentum coming into this series, but after watching Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, you get the sense that it’s now the Rangers who are carrying that momentum. Things can change dramatically over the course of a 7-game schedule, though, so we may yet see a momentum shift or two more before this series is all over with. Despite the Game 1 loss, the Lightning are once again in as the favorite to win this one. The goal total for Game 2 is set at 5 ½. Let’s have a closer look at the upcoming game between Lightning and Rangers so you can bet against their NHL Playoffs Odds.
Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals Betting: Tampa Bay vs New York Preview
Tampa Bay Lightning at NY Game 2 Info
- When: Friday, June 3 at 8 PM EST
- Where: Madison Square Garden, NYC
- TV: ESPN
Why bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning
Going down a game in a playoff series is never ideal, but the reality is that the team that starts out on the road is generally looking for a split in the opening 2 games. The Tampa Bay Lightning were soundly beaten by the Rangers in Game 1, but if they can bounce back and get the win on Friday night, they will head back to Florida with home ice advantage in their possession. The problem here is that, if we include the regular season, the Lightning have now lost 4 in a row to the Rangers. On the positive side of things, Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in their last 6 road games, so you can bet that they will be heading into this game with the belief that they can tie things up. Game 1 went OVER the point total, snapping a run that saw the UNDER hit 5 times in a row for the Lightning. That said, 5 of their last 6 versus Metropolitan Division opponents have gone OVER.
Why bet on the New York Rangers
The Rangers are a prime example of how quickly the tide can turn in the playoffs. They have had to dig out of holes in both rounds thus far, but you have to say that their performance against the Carolina Hurricanes in the previous round was particularly special. Down 3-2 in the series and struggling to score goals, the offense came to life, scoring 11 times in the final 2 games. They also became the first team to beat the Hurricanes in their own building in these playoffs, which they did in Game 7. That offense carried over into this series, with the Rangers putting 6 past the Lightning on their way to a 6-2 win. That win means that they have now won 7 in a row on home ice, which makes them look like a strong underdog option here.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
We nailed the picks in Game 1, and I am prepared to let it all ride by going with the same picks again for this game. That means that I am taking the Rangers + 1 ½ and also taking the OVER.
NHL Playoffs Betting Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning 3 New York Rangers 5
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