Lightning vs. Rangers Prediction, Odds, and Best Bets- Back the Netminders in the Garden

The NHL Season officially kicked off on Friday with the Global Series in Prague but on Tuesday, the rest of the league follows suit back in North America.

The Stanley Cup runner-up Tampa Bay Lightning travel to NYC to take on the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

This is a rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals from last season and should be a great way to kick off the NHL season on this side of the water.

Both of these teams come into the season with lofty expectations and are looking to get right back into the playoffs and make a run at the Cup once again.

GAME ODDS

All odds via FANDUEL

SPREAD

• LIGHTNING +1.5 (-265)
• RANGERS -1.5 (+210)

MONEYLINE

• LIGHTNING (-102)
• RANGERS (-118)

TOTAL

• OVER 5.5 (-110)
• UNDER 5.5 (-110)

PREDICTION

With it being the first game of a long season, a side doesn’t stand out to me here.

Both of these teams are pretty evenly matched and have brought back most of the their main pieces while adding some firepower to both sides.

The Rangers added Vincent Trochek from the Carolina Hurricanes and his gritty style should slot in nicely on their second line along side the Bread Man, Artemi Panerin.

The Lightning lost veteran winger Ondrej Palat to the Devils in the offseason, which does hurt a bit of their production.

But with the likes of Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and the Captain Steven Stamkos back for another year, the Bolts look primed for another successful campaign.

Both of these teams have dynamic playmakers, but their best player arguably resides between the pipes.

DOMINANT NETMINDERS

2021-22 Vezina trophy winner Igor Shesterkin looks to have another dominant campaign for the Rangers. The Russian stud is a force when he is dialed in and ‘Igor in the Garden’ will be hard to beat yet again this year.

For the Bolts, they have their own Russian stud in Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has lead the league in wins for five consecutive seasons. Vasy is in his prime and will be looking to snag yet another Vezina this year.

This game features two of the best Netminders in the league and that leads me to my two favorite bets in this game and they are two unders.

BEST BETS

UNDER 5.5 goals (-110) FANDUEL

I love this play. As I mentioned, both these goalies are stars. Also, to start the season, both offenses are going to need some time to get rolling and find their rhythm.

The combo of shaking off the early season cobwebs mixed with All-Star goalie play makes this a wonderful spot to bet on an under.

WORTH A LOOK

1ST PERIOD UNDER 1.5 GOALS (-106) FANDUEL

I found this prop later in the season last year and it is a nice get in/ get out bet to take.

It will be an electric atmosphere in MSG for sure but the first game jitters will be there and guys settling into the game will be more evident here.

Vasy and Igor should keep the door closed early as both teams feel each other out to start. For the value here at -106, I love this play as well.

I don’t take unders very often, which you will learn about me, so when I do, it’s for a reason.

As of this writing, no player prop lines are listed but I will be releasing a separate piece throughout the season talking about my favorite Shot on Goal props in each game.

It’s my favorite prop market to bet on so fasten your seat belts, we are going to have some fun around here!

Hockey is back and its going to be an electric season back on the ice. Follow me on Twitter @SweatpantsJesus and @BN_Content for more props, plays, sports info and overall vibes. Peace and Love