Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Rangers vs. Lightning NHL Odds
Looking for New York Rangers Vs. Tampa Bay Lightning free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Rangers taking on the Lightning on Friday December 31st at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey games all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions like this Rangers Rangers matchup.
(19-18-4) New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (21-6-4)
Date: Friday December 31st
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Rangers +130 Lightning -150 (Bet Now!)
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: Rangers +1.5 -225 Lightning -1.5 +160
NHL Betting Total: O/U 6.5
One thing these two teams have in common, is they both come off a huge loss to the Florida Panthers. In addition, The Rangers enjoy a day rest, while Tampa heads straight home with no rest, after a 9-3 slashing from Florida.
That being said, which Eastern Conference foe will come up with the bounce back performance heading into the New Year?
New York Rangers
The Rangers enter this matchup on an extreme downhill trajectory, losers of 4 of their last 5. Moreover, they’ve also lost 6 of their last 7 games played, against the back to back Champs.
On the offensive glass, New York’s 6th ranked powerplay is flashy, while impressively capitalizing on 25% of their chances. Although, they’re only firing off 28.9 shots on average, which is pitifully resulting in an average of 2.8 goals per tilt.
Defensively, The Rangers are shutting down the leagues elite, ranking 5th in both goals against, and PK%; these impressive rankings made possible by an average of 2.6 goals against per game, and a 84.6 PK%.
Unfortunately, New York’s impressive stats haven’t correlated to recent wins. Nonetheless, they clearly hold the talent and ability to upset anyone, on any given night.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are continuing their dominant run this year, trying to follow up their back to back Stanley Cup Champions wins.
Offensively, Tampa’s only shooting 29.6 times per game, however with their elite talent, they’re impressively scoring an average of 3.3 per tilt. Unfortunately, they’re powerplay is suffering unlike previous years, as they’re only capitalizing 18.2% of the time.
Defensively speaking, The Lightning are allowing a more then normal, 2.8 goals on 30.5 shots per outing. Together, these stats rank 15th and 10th, respectfully.
To boot, their PK% is currently at 79.6%, which ranks below average at 18th league wide. Although, Tampa’s stats have seemed to falter as of late, there continued wins, have not.
NHL Betting Trends:
- New York is 0-5 SU in their last games against teams with a winning record.
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York’s last 6 games played.
- Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games playing on no rest.
- The total has gone OVER in 9 out of Tampa Bay’s last 12 Friday games.
- The favorite is 6-1 SU in these teams last 7 matchups.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 out of the last 7 times these teams played.
Free New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Prediction
New York hopes to overthrow the league powerhouse, on route to an amazing start to the New Year. Howbeit, they’re going against a streaking, force to reckon with.
For substance, New York’s only won 4 games out of 9 this year as a betting underdog. On the flip side, Tampa Bay’s won 18 out of 27 games as a favorite.
Also, The Lightning have only lost once to The Rangers in almost 5 years. Unless Lightning strikes twice tomorrow, fade New York’s hockey club.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Lightning Puckline -1.5
Like aforementioned, Tampa has decimated The Rangers since 2017, only losing once in that span. Additionally, the last time these squads faced-off, The Lightning scored almost ten goals, on route to 9-3 sovereignty.
All angles considered, Tampa Bay shouldn’t have an issue dispatching this current Rangers club. Take The Lightning on the puckline for plus money, instead of juice on the moneyline.
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