Lightning vs Rangers Betting Odds – Lightning bitten by Big Apple jinx once again
NHL Odds: Pick Rangers |
Online betting players should be in for a low-scoring affair on Tuesday as the New York Rangers host Tampa Bay, who has struggled at Madison Square Garden in their most recent visits. The Lightning haven’t been good on the road to begin with this year, and the Rangers will hand them another loss on Tuesday.
| WHAT: NHL betting |
| WHEN: Tuesday, January 19, 7:00 PM ET |
| WHERE: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| KEY STAT: Tampa Bay is 2-6 in their last eight games at Madison Square Garden |
The Storyline - Lightning vs Rangers Betting Odds
The Lightning had lost two straight before Monday’s game in Carolina, and four of their last six overall as they play the final of a three-game road trip. The Rangers ended a three-game skid with a 6-2 home win over Montreal on Sunday, and they’re trying to keep pace in the tough Atlantic Division.
Offensive Matchups - Lightning vs Rangers Betting Odds
Only Carolina has scored fewer goals than Tampa Bay, and they’re led by the trio of Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. The problem is, there’s no secondary scoring outside of Ryan Malone. Surprisingly, their power play is decent, coming in 15th.
The Rangers have scored just five more goals than the Lightning, and even though they’re 13th on the power play, they’ve scored just three goals with the man advantage in their last nine games. Without Marian Gaborik, the Rangers would be a mess offensively.
Betting Edge: Draw
Defensive Matchups - Lightning vs Rangers Betting Odds
The Lightning have given up 144 goals, and goaltender Mike Smith has been out with injuries, leaving Antero Niittymaki as the No.1 goaltender. Mattias Ohlund and rookie Victor Hedman lead the defensive corps, but the rest of the group is subpar, to be generous.
The Rangers have given up 131 goals, thanks mostly in part to the play of Henrik Lundqvist, who should be Sweden’s No.1 goaltender at the Olympics in Vancouver. Marc Staal is emerging as a great young defenseman that the Rangers should try to keep for a long time.
Betting Edge: Rangers
Notable Injuries - Lightning vs Rangers Betting Odds
Smith (head/neck) should be able to return to practice this week, which will stabilize the Lightning’s goaltending situation.
Betting Edge: Rangers
Betting Prediction - Lightning vs Rangers Betting Odds
The Rangers should be the sportsbook favorites in this contest, as the Lightning have lost six of their last eight at Madison Square Garden. The Lightning are 7-13-5 on the road, prior to Monday’s game in Carolina, and even though they’re 3-2 in the second half of back-to-back games this year, the Rangers will be rested and coming off a big win at home, which gives them the momentum
DON’S PICK: New York Rangers
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