Rangers vs. Lightning Eastern Conference Final Odds & Predictions: Rangers in 7

The New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning will meet in the 2022 Eastern Conference Final. New York swept the regular season series between the two teams.

The Rangers took care of the Carolina Hurricanes in 7 games to advance. They handed the Canes their only home loss in the postseason, and dismantled their offensive attack.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a lot of rest, as they swept the Florida Panthers in their second round series. They sent the Presidents Trophy winners home early and advanced to their 6th Eastern Conference Final in 8 years.

According to BetOnline Sportsbook, the Lightning are the favorites to return to the Stanley Cup Final. They are the two-time defending champs and they are in top form this postseason. However, New York has played well at home, and they have the home ice advantage.

New York Rangers (Metropolitan Division #2) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Atlantic Division #3) Series Information and Betting Odds

Rangers vs. Lightning Series Schedule, Game Times, and TV Info

• Rangers vs. Lightning (Game 1 – at Madison Square Garden, NY): Wednesday, June 1, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
• Rangers vs. Lightning (Game 2 – at Madison Square Garden, NY): Friday, June 3, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
• Lightning vs. Rangers (Game 3 – at Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay): Sunday, June 5, 3:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
• Lightning vs. Rangers (Game 4 – at Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay): Tuesday, June 7, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
• Rangers vs. Lightning (Game 5 – at Madison Square Garden, NY): Thursday, June 9, time and TV TBD – if necessary
• Lightning vs. Rangers (Game 6 – at Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay): Saturday, June 11, time and TV TBD – if necessary
• Rangers vs. Lightning (Game 7 – at Madison Square Garden, NY): Tuesday, June 14, time and TV TBD – if necessary

Rangers vs. Lightning Series Betting Odds

Odds are via BetOnline.

Odds to Win the Series

• New York Rangers +160
• Tampa Bay Lightning -190

Series Correct Score Odds

• New York 4-0 (+1800)
• New York 4-1 (+920)
• New York 4-2 (+710)
• New York 4-3 (+570)
• Tampa Bay 4-0 (+730)
• Tampa Bay 4-1 (+430)
• Tampa Bay 4-2 (+360)
• Tampa Bay 4-3 (+470)

Series Total Games Odds

• Four Games: +520
• Five Games: +260
• Six Games: +198
• Seven Games: +210

Rangers vs. Lightning 2021-22 Season Head-to-Head Results

• December 31, 2021 (at Tampa): Rangers 4, Lightning 3 (SO)
• January 2, 2022 (at New York): Rangers 4, Lightning 0
• March 19, 2022 (at Tampa): Rangers 2, Lightning 1

Goaltending Matchup

This series will feature two of the best netminders in the league. Both goalies hail from Russia, and are finalists for the Vezina Trophy this season.

The Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin, held a 2.07 goals against average this season, which is the top mark in the league. In his last 10 games of the postseason, he is 7-3 with a 2.09 GAA and has lead the Rangers to a 5-0 record in possible elimination games.

The Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy, has lead the Lightning to the Eastern Conference final for the third straight season. He is 8-3 in these playoffs and has only allowed 4 goals in the last 5 games. His 57 career playoff victories is tied for 17th best on the all-time list.

Both goalies have been solid in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading their teams in big moments. Neither has wavered under the pressure, including Shesterkin, who is only in his 3rd season in the NHL.

There is a reason they have been nominated as the best goaltenders from the regular season. When Game 1 gets underway on June 1, we should see plenty of big saves and defensive battles. This series is set to be a long one, and the scores should be pretty low.

Rangers vs. Lightning Series Prediction and Betting Tips

Prediction: Rangers win the series 4-3

New York has been up for elimination plenty of times during this postseason. They even rallied in the first round from a 3-1 series deficit to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their defense has been a big help in shutting down high-powered offenses, and they are blocking plenty of scoring opportunities.

The Rangers are in a groove. They have played every other day since the start of the playoffs, and they are in “playoff mode”. The Lightning haven’t played in 9 days, and they may have had too much rest.

Game 1 shows Tampa as the favorite, but I see the Rangers as the real test at home. This is going to be a long series, so how the first game goes will go a long way in determining who moves on to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Rangers are a great value bet as they are considered the underdogs. However, with their solid play in elimination games, and their season sweep of the Lightning, they have the advantage at home. The Rangers in 7 provides the best value, and it will provide great return on investment.

Other 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Content on Betting News

• Odds to Win the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals