Lightning vs. Rangers Predictions
With the series tied 2-2 and the Avalanche as each of these teams ideal next target, the series and tension is as close as ever.
A little background: this year, the Rangers have won all three contests against the Lightning, with one being a shootout win and two of the games winning by only one goal. This playoffs, the Lightning (3rd in Atlantic) beat the Maple Leafs (2nd in Atlantic) in the first round in 7 games and the Panthers (1st in Atlantic) in the second round in 4 games. The Rangers (2nd in Metro) beat the Penguins (3rd in Metro) in 7 games in the first round and the Hurricanes (1st in Metro) in 7 games in the second round
The Lighting this playoffs have had to beat harder teams, and beat them more efficiently. The Lightning are also coming off of back to back Stanley Cup wins with a lot of playoff hockey experience against a team that didn’t even make the playoffs last year.
Against each other this series, the games have been won in pairs. Games 1 and 2 were won by the Rangers, and games 3 and 4 were won by the Lightning. Injuries also maintaining to be a big factor in these games and the upcoming ones. For the Rangers, Ryan Strome is day-to-day with an injury, and so is Filip Chytil who has been a major playmaker and point scorer this series and playoffs. As injuries seem to be looking downhill for the Rangers, the Lightning on the other hand have still been missing a key piece to their winning puzzle in Brayden Point. Point is expected to return soon and has not been ruled at for game 5.
With all of these factors in mind, including the addition of Point and subtraction of Chytil for game 5, it seems the Lighting have the advantage and overall have an advantage on the now even series, but everyday the circumstances change. I would predict a typical Lightning playoff win in 7 games.
Some key things to keep note on: Point’s return and Chytil and Strome injuries. In addition to that, some players doing well right now to watch are from the Rangers; Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, and Mika Zibanejad. From the Lighting, look out for Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Anthony Cirelli.