Thursday night sees Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final, and here we look at the latest match-up between Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers and bring you our latest free NHL betting picks.
Both sides have now played two games each at home, and for the fifth encounter, we’re back at the Madison Square Garden for New York’s next home leg of the series. From here on in, it’s one alternative home match each.
So far, the 2022 Eastern Conference final has been a great contest, unlike the Western! The two teams – by and large – have been evenly matched throughout, and with the Lightning winning last night’s encounter 4-1, the series is nicely set up heading back to New York with the two sides at two wins each.
Elsewhere in the Conference finals, the Colorado Avalanche continued their relentless march towards the Stanley Cup. Jared Bednar’s team made light work of the Edmonton Oilers, beating them four games to zero in the Western Conference finals.
In the latest NHL Vegas Odds to win the 2022 Stanley Cup, the Avalanche is now just -210 to win their third-ever Stanley Cup. Full odds are below, but in truth, the best NHL betting sites don’t seem to be able to see past a win for the Avalanche!
| 2022 Stanley Cup Winner Odds |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | -210 | -210 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +300 | +300 |
| New York Rangers | +650 | +650 |
Before we go on to our betting picks, let’s look back at the four matches to help us gauge the form ahead of Match 5.
The Rangers made the most of starting the series with home advantage by thrashing the Lightning 6-2 in front of an ecstatic MSG crowd.
The game was close up until the halfway point in the 2nd period. After 10 minutes, it was 2-2, and then a quick fire double from Filip Chytil saw the Rangers race into a 4-2 lead. Two further strikes in the 3rd period saw the home side start with a convincing win.
This match was a lot closer in the scoreline, but in some ways, it was a more convincing win for the Rangers.
Gerard Gallant’s team went one goal to nil down early but were soon back level after K’Andre Miller’s equalizer after 5.59 of the 1st period.
A second goal at the end of the opening period gave New York the lead, and after 1 minute and 21 seconds of the 3rd period, they were 3-1 up thanks to a goal from Mika Zibanejad.
Tampa Bay’s second in the dying embers only helped give the scoreline a more respectable feel.
The first match down at Florida’s Amalie Arena allowed the Lightning to get a much-needed foothold in the series. At the halfway point of the 2nd period, the hosts found themselves 2-0 down. And in grave danger of going 3-0 down in the series.
A magnificent comeback started by Nikita Kucherov saw the Lightning winning 3-2 on the night. The winning goal from Ondrej Palat only arrived after 19 minutes and 18 seconds of the 3rd period!
In the last of the Florida double header, the Lightning asserted their authority with a 4-1 win. Could this match be the turning point of the whole series?
Tampa scored early in the 1st period to get off to a flyer, and when Steven Stamkos made it 3-0 early in the 3rd period, the match was all over. It was a pretty emphatic victory for the Lightning.
In the latest Las Vegas NHL odds, the Lightning is the favorite again to win the series. They orignally went into the series regarded as the stronger team, but lost their favorites tag after losing the first two matches.
BetOnline makes the Lightning -170 to win the series and has the Rangers at +150.
The question now is will the Rangers bounce back from two losses in a row when they return to The Garden?
Well, New York won the first two here, so there is no reason they can’t win again. Although, the sportsbooks seem to disagree.
Moneyline
Puck line
Total Goals
Tuesday night’s result felt like a turning point, and I think Tampa Bay could take control of the series at The Garden.
Looking at those odds, I can’t be touching New York on the Puck line at -235. So, my only question is, if Tampa Bay wins, will it be by two goals or more? I’m not sure.
But is it worth the risk of picking Tampa at the better odds on the Puck line? I think it is, and I prefer value when I make a pick, so I’m going for Tampa Bay on the Puck line.
There have also been five goals in three of the four fixtures and 8 in the other. So I’m thinking at odds against, over 5.5 goals is worth a small wager.
