Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers Pick – 4/7/2025

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face the New York Rangers on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Madison Square Garden. This matchup features two Eastern Conference teams with distinct trajectories as the regular season nears its conclusion.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers Game Preview

The Lightning enter the game with a 44-26-6 record, placing them second in the Atlantic Division with 94 points. Despite recent setbacks, including a 3-2 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay has secured victories in four of their last six games. Their offensive prowess is evident, averaging 3.54 goals per game, while their defense allows 2.61 goals against per game. The power play operates at a 24.8% success rate, and the penalty kill stands at 81.9%. Nikita Kucherov leads the team with 33 goals and 79 assists, supported by Brandon Hagel's 34 goals and 48 assists. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy boasts a 36-20-3 record with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage.

Conversely, the Rangers hold a 36-33-7 record, positioning them fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 79 points. They are striving to secure a playoff spot, trailing the Montreal Canadiens for the final wild card position. New York's recent performance includes a 4-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils, though they have won three of their last six games. The Rangers average 3.00 goals per game and concede 3.03 goals against per game. Their power play efficiency is 17.2%, with a penalty kill rate of 81.4%. Artemi Panarin leads the team with 34 goals and 48 assists, while defenseman Adam Fox contributes nine goals and 47 assists. Goalie Igor Shesterkin has a 25-27-5 record, a 2.86 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available data, the betting odds for this game are:

• Moneyline: New York Rangers +120 / Tampa Bay Lightning -142
• Over/Under: 5.5 goals

Key betting trends to consider:

• The Rangers have won each of their last three games as home underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Lightning have lost seven of their last eight games at Madison Square Garden.
• The home team has covered the puck line in nine of the Lightning's last 10 games.
• The Lightning have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine night games at Madison Square Garden.
• The Lightning have lost the second period in each of their last three games at Madison Square Garden after coming off overtime.

Player prop considerations:

• J.T. Miller has recorded at least one point in each of his last seven home appearances against former teams.
• Vincent Trocheck has recorded at least one assist in each of the Rangers' last four games against the Lightning.
• Artemi Panarin has scored a goal in each of the Rangers' last four home games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers Prediction

Given the current form and statistical analysis, this game presents a compelling matchup. The Lightning's potent offense, led by Kucherov and Hagel, contrasts with the Rangers' recent defensive struggles. However, New York's urgency to secure a playoff spot and their historical success at Madison Square Garden against Tampa Bay cannot be overlooked.

Considering the betting trends and team performances, a low-scoring game is anticipated. The under 5.5 goals appears to be a prudent choice for bettors. While the Lightning have the offensive edge, the Rangers' home advantage and desperation for points may level the playing field. Therefore, the under 5.5 goals is the recommended pick for this encounter.