The Tampa Bay Lightning face the New York Rangers on Thursday, April 17th, for their regular-season finale in this edition of NHL Predictions . The New York Rangers, who are already out of playoff contention, will be playing for pride as they close out a difficult season. Meanwhile, the Lightning, already secured in the playoffs, are looking to finish strong and build momentum for another Stanley Cup run. Tampa Bay has dominated the season series, including a commanding 5-1 victory in their most recent matchup. With the Rangers motivated to end their season on a positive note and the Lightning pushing for playoff momentum, this game at Madison Square Garden will be an emotional and intense environment.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Lightning 2-0 Rangers
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN+; SN1; Fan Duel Sports Sun; MSG
A Season Finale at the Garden
In this Eastern Conference clash , the New York Rangers wrap up their regular season at home as they host the Tampa Bay Lightning. This marks the final meeting between the two teams, with Tampa Bay holding a 2–0 edge in the series. The Lightning rolled to a 5–1 victory in their most recent matchup, with Brayden Point netting two goals. Longtime broadcaster Sam Rosen will be on the call for his final game, adding a wave of emotion to this matchup. The Lightning have dominated the season series so far, including a 5–1 victory in their most recent meeting. With different motivations on the ice and in the booth, this finale at Madison Square Garden promises to be a memorable one.
Tampa Bay Eyes Postseason Surge
The Tampa Bay Lightning (47–26–8) have already locked up a playoff spot and are surging at the right time. They’ve gone 6–1–3 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.3 goals per contest while giving up just 2.2. Their offence has been clicking, led by Brayden Point with 42 goals and 40 assists. Similarly, recent trade acquisition Jake Guentzel has seven goals and five assists over the past 10 games.
Tampa’s power play has been one of the most dangerous in the league, converting at a 26.2% rate. Though they’re 18–18–4 on the road, the Lightning are looking to make a strong statement. Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to shine in the net with a 2.18 GAA and .921 save percentage.
Rangers Close the Book on 2024–25
This is it for the New York Rangers (38–36–7), who will take the ice one last time this season. Their playoff hopes were dashed earlier in the week, but they’ll be looking to end things on a positive note. The Rangers are 4–5–1 in their last 10 games, and have shown flashes of offence, averaging 3.9 goals per game. Unfortunately, their defensive lapses have cost them, allowing 3.5 goals per game.
Adam Fox has tallied 10 goals and 51 assists, and Artemi Panarin has been heating up with six goals and eight assists in his last 10 games. Still, New York’s 18–19–3 home record leaves much to be desired. They will need a strong all-around effort to compete with a strong Lightning team. Rangers will be fueled by emotion, determined to send off their fans, and Sam Rosen, with one final win.
Prediction
With Sam Rosen calling his final game, the Rangers will be playing for something bigger. Expect an inspired effort and an emotional win to close out the season. Tampa Bay’s offensive playoff preparation makes them the frontrunners. However, the Rangers may push back with the energy of a final home game and nothing to lose.
Prediction: Rangers win 4–3
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The Tampa Bay Lightning are -110 moneyline favourites, while the New York Rangers are +110 underdogs. The over/under is set at 5.5 goals, with the over priced at -132 and the under at +108.
A notable prop bet to watch is Adam Fox Over 0.5 Assists (-115). Fox has racked up 51 assists this season and continues to be a reliable all-around player.
Main photo by: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 17th New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .