Lightning vs. Rangers Game 1 NHL Picks: Who Will Jump Out to The Early Series Lead?

The Eastern Conference Final kicks off on Wednesday night when the defending back-to-back champs storm into the World’s Most Famous Arena to take on the New York Rangers. Read on for our Lightning-Rangers picks and predictions.

Following a grueling seven-game opening series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Lightning had a much easier time in Round 2, booking their spot in the conference finals with a clean sweep of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Florida Panthers.

The Rangers, however, had a tougher time, going all seven games with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes.

Will the Lightning take another step toward a third straight Stanley Cup Final, or will the Rangers upset the apple cart in their quest to quench a 28-year Cup drought?

Here are my picks and predictions for Wednesday’s conference finals opener between the Lightning and Rangers (odds via Caesars Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale).

Lightning vs. Rangers Game Info

Date: Wednesday, June 1, 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, CBC, Sportsnet, TVAS
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Lightning vs. Rangers Odds Analysis

Interestingly, despite 78% of the cash coming in on the Lightning, the line has actually moved from -170 to around -130 depending on the sportsbook. As home underdogs, the Rangers can be snatched up at +110 at DraftKings Sportsbook.

With two of the best goaltenders on the planet hitting the ice, the goal total is set at a relatively low 5.5, with the Over paying out at -105, while the Under will net you -115. Considering the superb play between the pipes for both teams in Round 2, there’s some definite value in betting the Under.

Lightning vs. Rangers Picks

• Lightning (-128 via FanDuel) ★★★★
• Under 5.5 (-115 via Caesars) ★★★★
• Nikita Kucherov Over 2.5 shots (-170 via Caesars) ★★★★

Check out our top-rated sportsbooks here

Lightning vs. Rangers Predictions

Lightning (-128)

While some might consider the decreased intensity that could potentially come with eight days' rest, a little time off is perfect for a team like Tampa. Coming off consecutive seasons in which they’ve played more games than any other team, a fully recharged Lightning is a terrifying proposition for the Rangers.

Thus far in the postseason, the Lightning have a superior Corsi for percentage, expected goals against, and expected goals-for percentage. They’ve also allowed fewer goals per game and completely dominated the top team in the regular season, roasting the Panthers in four straight.

Propped up by a fantastic goaltender, the Rangers are one of the weaker remaining playoff teams at five-on-five and are in the deepest of trouble if Igor Shesterkin falters at any point.

I expect the battle-hardened, well-balanced Lightning to sneak by in Game 1, with Andrei Vasilevskiy narrowly outdueling Shesterkin.

Under 5.5 (-110)

Shesterkin is the reason the Rangers have gone this far. The Hart Trophy finalist stopped 222 of 234 shots during the second round for a ludicrous .949 save percentage. He’s also posted 6.70 goals-saved above average through two rounds, and only surrendered more than two goals once against the Hurricanes.

Not to be outdone, Vasilevskiy transformed into a brick wall against the normally high-octane Panthers, surrendering just three goals in four games for a mind-melting .981 save percentage. Racking up 5.53 goals-saved above average this postseason, the 2020-21 Conn Smythe winner added to his legend with a 49-save shutout to close out Florida in Game 4.

With this kind of ridiculousness happening between the pipes on both ends of the ice, we’re sure to see some low-scoring affairs.

Kucherov Over 2.5 shots (-170)

This feels like a bit of a no-brainer. Averaging nearly 3.4 shots per game in 11 postseason games, Kucherov has launched three-plus shots five times through two rounds, including a trio of six-shot games. With the Rangers surrendering a terrifyingly high 38.9 shots on goal per game so far in the playoffs, I expect Kuch to open up a shooting gallery in Game 1.

Where to Bet on Lightning-Rangers Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

• FanDuel Sportsbook
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• PointsBet
• BetMGM

SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Lightning-Rangers picks made on 6/1/2022 at 6:58 a.m. ET.

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