The New York Rangers proved that rest might in fact be rust with how well they played against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of this series, but everyone knows what Tampa is capable of following a loss.
The Lightning are 17-0 following a loss since the 2020 postseason, which is an incredible streak, but New York should not be overlooked as the team to put an end to it.
See who has the NHL betting edge tonight with our NHL picks and predictions for Rangers vs. Lightning.
Lightning vs Rangers Game 2 odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Rangers opened up as +100 home underdogs, but the line moved slightly, and they are now +110. The total opened at 5.5 and hasn’t had any movement.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until puck drop and be sure to check out the full NHL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Lightning vs Rangers Game 2 predictions
Predictions made on 6/3/2022 at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Lightning vs Rangers Game 2 info
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
• Date: Friday, June 3, 2022
• Puck drop: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, CBC
Lightning vs Rangers series odds
Lightning: -105.
Rangers: -115.
Lightning vs Rangers Game 2 betting preview
Key injuries
Lightning: Brayden Point F (Doubtful).
Rangers: Sammy Blais F (Out).
Find our latest NHL injury reports.
Lightning vs Rangers head-to-head record
Lightning: 0-1-0 SU, 2 goals for.
Rangers: 1-0-0 SU, 6 goals for.
Betting trend to know
The New York Rangers have won seven games in a row at home. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Rangers.
Lightning vs Rangers Game 2 picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Moneyline analysis
For obvious reasons, the story of this game leading up to it is how strong the Lightning recover in games following a loss. The 17 straight wins deserve a ton of credit and respect, but so does this Rangers team.
The Rangers have been phenomenal on home ice all playoffs long and they have won seven straight games at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers took a lot of heat in the previous two rounds since they were up against backup goaltenders, but they were able to score six goals on arguably the best in the world at his position, Andrei Vasilevskiy.
In games following a loss since the 2020 playoffs, Vasilevskiy is 17-0 with a .942 save percentage and a 1.41 goals against average with five shutouts. That said, the Rangers have now scored 17 goals in their last three games and Igor Shesterkin has been absolutely stellar.
The Rangers are being completely overlooked and every streak eventually comes to an end. I think that Shesterkin is the one goalie in this league that can go head-to-head with Vasilevskiy, and he will prove that tonight.
The Rangers end Tampa’s impressive streak.
Prediction: Rangers moneyline (+110 at DraftKings)
Over/Under analysis
It was evident in Game 1 that Vasilevskiy needed to shake some of his rust out after having nine days of rest. Now that he has settled into this series, I expect him to get right back to where he had left off.
During this postseason, Vasilevskiy is skating to a .923 save percentage and a 2.53 GAA. Shesterkin has had the exact same statistics in the last three games in a row, which is completely wild.
In each of his last three starts, Shesterkin has made 37 saves and has allowed two goals against. He has a lot to prove going up against a guy like Vasilevskiy and he looked great in Game 1 of this series.
I am not expecting anything different from Shesterkin, as he is skating to a .929 save percentage and a 2.64 GAA in this postseason, but I am expecting a much better performance from Vasilevskiy and that’s why this game will stay Under.
Prediction: Under 5.5 (+115 at DraftKings)
Best bet
I have been saying it all playoff long: The most important things you need in the playoffs is strong goaltending and good special teams. The Rangers have been consistent in both areas, as their power play has now scored six games in a row.
The Rangers currently have the best man advantage unit in the playoffs, converting at a 33.3% rate, and their best players have been producing offensively.
I know that Tampa is a very scary opponent, and I am aware of how well it bounces back after a loss, but something about this Rangers team is different. They have protected home ice all playoffs long.
The Rangers take a commanding 2-0 lead in this series thanks to their goaltending and special teams.
Pick: Rangers moneyline (+110 at DraftKings)
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