/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70959049/1401788554.0.jpg)
The Tampa Bay Lightning are back in business after winning two straight to even the Eastern Conference Final at 2-2. The New York Rangers head home reeling a bit after holding a commanding two-game lead. Will we see another masterful performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy and the defending champs? Or will the Rangers keep the Cinderella run going? (This sounds a lot like something an announcer would say.) Anyway, let’s look at the lines and make some predictions.
All odds come courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Lightning vs. Rangers: Game 5 predictions
Puck line: TB -1.5 (+190), NYR +1.5 (-235)
Goal total: 5 goals
Moneyline odds: TB -130, NYR +110
Goal total pick: In-game bet
We’re not going to take the over at -140 on 5.0 goals or the under at +120. Knowing both goalies and how Vasilevskiy played in Game 4, my lean is the under. There’s some value in looking at an in-game bet, though. If the goalies are on, see if you can get a good line on the under. If the chances are plenty and the ice is tilting a lot, consider hopping on the over. If you can get the O/U at 5.5, the under will get the edge, though it may still be worth betting depending on the price.
Moneyline or puck line pick: Lightning -130
This feels like the Bolts’ momentum carries over, and the Rangers aren’t able to shake off a few injuries to Ryan Strome and Filip Chytil — both will likely be GTDs for Game 5. If both are out, the Lightning have a big advantage. Chytil is third in goals this postseason behind Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. Igor Shesterkin was phenomenal in Game 3 and less stellar in Game 4. Vasilevskiy has done this a bunch, and Shesterkin has not. This may not be a shutout (that may come in Game 6), but we should get peak Vasi. The Lightning know how important it is to go back home up 3-2 in this series. They get it done.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 (ONT), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
21+ (18+ NH/WY; 19+ ONT). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/ONT/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. Please play responsibly.