Yet another gritty effort propelled the New York Rangers (62-26-2-5) past the Tampa Bay Lightning (58-30-3-5) in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday. Now, the two teams will clash once again on Monday in a pivotal Game 2.
ODDS ANALYSIS
It really feels like you can just copy and paste the odds into every game in this series pretty much regardless of what happens. The home team is going to be set at around -140 or so, while the total is going to teeter between 4.5 and 5.
In this case, the numbers on the board are New York -140 and 4.5.
GOALIE REPORT
You couldn't have asked for much out of your goalies in Game 1 if you're fans of either of these teams. Yes, there were only a relatively modest 54 total shots on goal for the game, but both Ben Bishop and Henrik Lundqvist stood on their heads at times in a game which was just flat out frenetic.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think it's just a matter of wanting to win. We had lots of looks, couple just before that. I drove it in front, and puck rolled off my tape. Just tried to stay with it and work for a good bounce, and finally it came." – Rangers forward Dominic Moore after scoring the game-winning goal in Game 1 on Saturday
SITUATIONAL BETTING
The ends of periods have really been beneficial for the Rangers all postseason long, and alas, that saga played out again in Game 1. New York scored at 19:47 of the second period and 17:35 of the third, which was just enough to ultimately win the game.
In both instances, the Lightning clearly didn't look like they had a shot of slowing down the Blueshirts on the final push of the period, and the pressure told at bad times for Tampa Bay.
PROP TALK
Steven Stamkos had a healthy 3:20 of power play time on the ice on Saturday, and he wasn't able to get a single point. It might be high time to bet against him once again, especially knowing how well the Rangers have been able to shut down opposing superstars they’ve run into in the opening two rounds of the playoffs.
ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
For the most part, Game 1 was a relatively even affair which could have gone either way. There were times when it felt like New York was going to be in a little bit of trouble, especially in the third period when it took three unsightly penalties, but in the end, the Lightning just weren't able to fully overcome giving up that first goal of the game late in the second.
We think this one is going to play out in a very similar manner.
The New York second and third liners are just outworking their foes in these playoffs, and that's really been their key to getting this far. Whether it's a man like Derek Stepan or one like Moore, you just know that you have to be alert on the ice every single shift. Tampa Bay doesn't have that much depth, and that'll tell in Game 2 as well.
New York 2, Tampa Bay 1
The NHL lines for this Monday game were first be available at BookMaker Sportsbook. The Rangers opened at -140, while the total was initially set at 4.5. Minute-by-minute puck-lines, totals, moneylines and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! Game 2 of this series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers will commence on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. The contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.
