NHL Eastern Conference Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Frank Martin
While the New York Rangers are firmly atop the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning are beginning a critical three-game road trip as they attempt to stay alive in the playoff chase.
The Lightning have defeated the Rangers in five of the last six meetings – including three straight in New York. Both teams' power plays are struggling. The Rangers have converted 4 for 65 opportunities in the last 24 games while the Lightning are 6 for 63 over 21.
-
Tampa Bay Lightning
@ New York Rangers
When:
7:00 PM ET, Thursday, February 9, 2012
Where:
Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
TV:
7 p.m. ET; SunSports (Tampa),
MSG (New York).
The Rangers have opened as 200-moneyline favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NHL Hockey Odds.
Tampa Bay Lightning (23-24-5): There is still hope for the Lightning, but a poor road trip would hurt their chances badly. The road trip continues in Buffalo and Pittsburgh on the weekend. All-Star Steven Stamkos scored his league-leading 35th goal on his 22nd birthday Tuesday in the loss to Los Angeles, the first regulation defeat in eight games for Tampa Bay. Stamkos is four points behind league-leader Evgeni Malkin and leads the goal-scoring race by five. Martin St Louis’ nine-game point streak is over. He had six goals and 16 points in that span. The Lightning could get power forward Ryan Malone back from injury.
New York Rangers (33-13-5): The Rangers are led by All-Star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who has a Vezina Trophy-worthy numbers - six shutouts, 1.80 goals-against average and .939 save percentage. There is also plenty of room for improvement on offense. Standout center Brad Richards has just one goal and three points in his last 12 games. Versatile forward Brandon Dubinsky has one goal in nine games and just six overall this season. Dubinsky, who netted 24 last season, was dropped to the fourth line. All-Star Marian Gaborik leads the team with 26 goals and 43 points.
1.
Three of the last five meetings have
gone past regulation – all won by the Lightning.
2. Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto has 26 points and a team-best
plus-26.
3. The
Lightning are 8-16-3 on the road, but have won their last two.
NHL PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Lightning 2
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brad richards - brandon dubinsky - evgeni malkin - henrik lundqvist - madison square garden - martin st louis - michael del zotto - new york rangers - ryan malone - steven stamkos
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