The New York Rangers could return to Gotham for Game 3 with a commanding 2-0 lead if they play with the same tenacity they had in Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs begin the NBA Western Conference finals tonight in a battle of the West’s top two seeds.
New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens (May 19, 8:00 PM EST)
Line: New York Rangers (+110) at Montreal Canadiens (-130); total: 5.0 – view these lines
[sc:NHL240 ]After attending the funeral of Martin St. Louis’ mother, the New York Rangers head back to the ice looking to dig the Montreal Canadiens a deeper hole in the Eastern Conference finals. The Rangers, who are 3-0 in their last three road games, will be relying on Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist was exceptional in Game 1, stopping 20 of the Canadiens’ 22 shots.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, hope to knot the series before hitting the road for Game 3. The Habs are 7-3 in their last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Rangers won’t score seven goals again in Game 2, but Lundqvist will continue his strong play between the pipes. Take the game to go under 5.0.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs (May 19, 9:00 PM EST)
Line: Oklahoma City Thunder (+5.5) at San Antonio Spurs (-5.5); total: 209.0 – view these lines
With Serge Ibaka declared out for the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder need someone to step up and fill the big void left by the naturalized Spaniard to counter Tim Duncan and the rest of the San Antonio’s crew of inside operators.
For the first time in these Playoffs, the Thunder will open a series on the road, where they are 4-0 ATS in their last four games. On the other hand, the Spurs are 5-0 SU in their last five home games.
San Antonio will take full advantage of Ibaka’s absence. However, don’t expect the Thunder to go down without a fight. Take the Spurs to win straight up, and the Thunder to cover the +5.5.
