The Tampa Bay Lightning (8-5-2) entertain the New York Rangers (8-6-2) at Amalie Arena Thursday at 7:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rangers-Lightning odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Rangers at Lightning: Projected starting goalies
Alexandar Georgiev vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy
Georgiev has posted a 4-3-1 record so far with a 2.73 goals against average and .917 save percentage. He has won three of his previous four starts while yielding just four goals in those three wins.
Vasilevskiy is expected to get the nod Thursday night. He is 6-4 with a 3.01 GAA and .905 save percentage. Vasilevskiy looked better against Buffalo stopping 20 of 22 shots in the victory last Friday night.
Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.
Rangers at Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Lightning 5, Rangers 3
Moneyline (ML)
The LIGHTNING (-278) are the biggest favorites on the slate. A big reason is a familiarity that Tampa Bay has with New York have revenge on their minds after a 4-1 defeat to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden last month.
A $10 bet on Tampa Bay results in a $3.60 profit with a Lightning win.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +100) is an even-money pick. Watch the value here as it could fluctuate a bit before game time. There are some hefty concerns as Tampa is 5-10 against the spread and New York is 10-6. However, Tampa Bay is 3-1-1 at home this year and has covered in two of its previous three home contests.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 6.5 (+105) is the big play Thursday night as it is still on the plus side. Tampa Bay has not seen its stars break out much this season. Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos both average over a point per game in their careers against the Rangers. New York is without Mika Zibanejad (upper-body injury) but Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin have carried the offensive load.
Betting $10 on the Over will result in a $10.50 profit if the two teams combine for seven or more goals.
Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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