New York’s streak of one-goal games had to end sooner or later. It did in Game 2 when Tampa Bay exploded to a 6-2 win at Madison Square Garden. The series now switches to Tampa, where the Lightning recorded a league-best regular season home record (32-8-1). But the Rangers happen to be the league’s best road team in the regular season (28-11-2), which should make for an exciting matchup.
Can the Rangers bounce back from their awful Game 2 performance? Read on as for everything you need to know heading into this crucial Game 3 showdown. Check out how things are looking in the West with our complete preview for the Blackhawks vs. Ducks Game 2.
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New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 3 Preview
Series Scores and Schedule
Game 1 – Tampa Bay Lightning 1 at New York Rangers 2
Game 2 – Tampa Bay Lightning 4 at New York Rangers 2
Game 3 – May 20, 8:00 PM ET – New York Rangers (+110) at Tampa Bay Lightning (-130); total: 5.0 – view all NHL lines
Game 4 – May 22, 8:00 PM ET – New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 5 – May 24, 8:00 PM ET – Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Rangers
Game 6* – May 26, 8:00 PM ET – New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 7* – May 29, 8:00 PM ET – Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Rangers
*If necessary
Betting on the New York Rangers
The New York Rangers followed up their excellent performance in the series opener with a dud in Game 2. The President’s Trophy winners were thrashed 6-2 by the hot-shooting Bolts to level the series at 1-1.
[sc:NHL240 ]Tampa Bay may have gotten to goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who allowed the six goals on just 26 shots. He gave up at least five goals in two of three regular-season games against Tampa Bay this season. The loss dropped Lundqvist to 9-5 with a 1.86 GAA this postseason, but his .932 save percentage is still the best among current starting goalies of the four conference finals teams.
Expect Lundqvist to play much better, though. After allowing three or more goals in a game this postseason, Lundqvist limited opponents to just one in the next outings. The King is 3-2 with a 1.60 GAA and .944 save percentage in five road games this postseason.
Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider scored for the Rangers. Kreider now leads the Rangers with six playoff goals, while Stepan leads with 10 points. The two should give the Rangers a scoring punch especially with Rick Nash still struggling to score.
The Rangers are a very deep team, one which has received some important contributions from its fourth line. Martin St. Louis hasn’t scored yet in the series, but he assisted in both of Stepan’s and Kreider’s goals. He should be a threat with line mates Dominic Moore (scored the game-winner in Game 1) and Carl Hagelin (two goals and two assists this postseason).
The Rangers don’t play at their best when games get physical and penalty-filled like in Game 2. They do a better job on the open ice, creating breakaways to use their speed for scoring chances. Expect them to be more disciplined in this game to limit chances for Tampa Bay’s excellent power play. The Bolts have gone 4-for-10 on the man advantage in this series.
But the Rangers at least showed a spark with their own power play in Game 2, going 2-for-5 on the man advantage. If Tampa Bay forces another physical and penalty-riddled game, then the Rangers’ power play should be able to score some much-needed goals.
New York is 3-1 following a loss this postseason.
Betting on the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tyler Johnson is a beast. He finished Game 2 with the first hat trick in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s postseason history. Johnson scored a shorthanded goal, a power play goal and an even-strength goal to lead the Bolts to their 6-2 Game 2 victory. He now has 11 goals in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the most among all players in the postseason. It was also Johnson’s fourth multi-point game of the playoffs, a franchise record.
But the big Game 2 victory wasn’t a one-man show. Alex Killorn (twice) and Steven Stamkos also scored for the Bolts. Their blue liners also had their own moments.
With the Rangers buzzing with momentum down 3-2 in the second period, defenseman Victor Hedman made the save of the game. When Ben Bishop was stuck behind the net fending off two Rangers, Hedman slid through the crease and blocked a New York shot with his body. Fellow blue liner Anton Stralman cleared the puck to preserve Tampa Bay’s lead. Hedman would later assist in Killorn’s first goal.
Speaking of Bishop, he was also excellent in the game if you discount his blunder which almost led to a Rangers goal. The Bolts goalie made 35 saves to keep the Rangers at bay. The two goals he allowed came on the power play. Bishop has now won nine of his 10 career games against New York. Bishop is 4-3 with a 1.89 GAA and .926 save percentage at home this postseason.
The Bolts are now 4-1 against the Rangers this season, including the playoffs.
Writer’s Prediction
New York (+110) tightens up its defense to escape with a 2-1 victory. Create a betting account now and make your own Stanley Cup Playoffs moments.
