Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are already gearing up for a demanding playoff series against the Florida Panthers, but first they must wrap up their regular season schedule. Before shifting their attention to the post-season, the Lightning will travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Rangers, a squad with plenty of rebuilding ahead during the off-season.
New York Rangers
The Rangers might have had a significantly more favourable position in the draft lottery standings were it not for the efforts of Igor Shesterkin. They rank fifth-worst in the league in terms of xGA during even-strength play, having allowed 168.7. As the campaign drew to a close and structure broke down, even Shestyorkin struggled, posting a save percentage below 85% in five of his last six starts. The lone exception was a 9:2 win over the New York Islanders, where he faced 46 shots — a telling sign of the Rangers’ defensive disarray.
Tampa Bay Lightning
While there is speculation that both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers could field mixed line-ups, this remains unconfirmed without updates from the morning skate. Historically, the Lightning have preferred to play their core group in the final regular season game, even when the result holds no implications for the standings. For Nikita Kucherov (37+84), this game offers another chance to bolster his Hart Trophy credentials, especially with his primary competitor Nathan MacKinnon currently sidelined due to injury.
New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction
We do not expect the Tampa Bay Lightning to take this fixture lightly. In each of the last three seasons, they have ended their regular season campaign with a dominant win, scoring at least five goals in each. Preserving momentum before the playoffs is essential. Given the Rangers’ lack of defensive organisation, the Lightning are well placed to extend that pattern. We’re backing the visitors to claim victory and to surpass their individual Total Over.
