In Friday NHL Eastern Conference Finals action, the New York Rangers play the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will try to even the series with the New York Rangers after losing game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals 6-2. Tampa Bay scored 287 goals this season, which puts them in eighth place among NHL clubs. Tampa Bay is the 6th best defensive team in the NHL, allowing 2.78 goals per game on average. The Lightning finished the season with the league’s 22nd-best strength of schedule rating. They enter this game as the NHL’s eighth-ranked team in terms of opponent-adjusted scoring margin.
After a solid offensive effort in game 1, the New York Rangers will want to go up 2-0 in the series. The Rangers scored a total of 254 goals this season, for a 3.05 goal average. They are ranked 16th among NHL teams as a result of this output. New York Rangers’ defence ranks second in the league, allowing 2.49 goals per game. The Rangers’ schedule this season is the league’s 24th most difficult. New York has a power ranking of 9th in the NHL, based on their scoring margin compared to the quality of their competition.
Steven Stamkos has 106 points through 81 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. With a shooting percentage of 17.4 percent, he’s surpassed his goal total of 42. His power play goals account for 38.0 percent of his total goals. Victor Hedman, who has 65 assists to go with his 20 goals, is right behind him. His offensive output has earned him a plus-minus rating of +26.0 while on the ice. Andrei Vasilevskiy is Tampa Bay’s best goaltender, allowing 2.49 goals per game on average. He’s made 39 quality starts in 63 games, putting him above of the league average in quality start %.
Artemi Panarin, the New York Rangers’ leading scorer entering this game, leads the team in points. He has 22 goals and 74 assists in 82 games for the New York Islanders. With a shooting percentage of 12.4%, he has scored all of his goals. Chris Kreider leads the team in overall goal scoring. 50.0 percent of his 52 goals have come on the man advantage. His offensive output has earned him a plus minus rating of +21.0 while on the ice. Igor Shesterkin, the top goalkeeper in New York, has a 2.07 goals-against-average. He’s made 38 quality starts in 53 games, which puts him ahead of the league average for quality starts.
The over-under betting line for game two of the Eastern Conference Finals is 5.5 goals. The Rangers handily outscored this line in Game 1, scoring six times.
Free Pick: New York Rangers
