NHL Picks: Underdog Pick’em Lightning vs Rangers Game Two
The New York Rangers came out hot in game one of the series with a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Will game 2 see the Rangers stay hot on home ice, or will Tampa bounce back and even up the series? Let’s look at some Underdog Pick’em over/ under lines for this matchup.
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Lightning Player Picks
Anthony Cirelli Over 1.5 Shots
Cirelli has notched 4 shots in his last 2 games played. Cirelli is the centerman on the first line paired with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, two of the best players in the league. They should provide enough playmaking and chance creation to see Cirelli have a few opportunities on the net. Cirelli is also one of the league’s best defensive forwards and should see time on both the powerplay and penalty kill.
Ondrej Palat Over 1.5 Shots
Palat is a vital piece to the Lightning’s offense and should have the opportunity for at least 2 shots on goal in this game. Palat has recorded 3 shots in 4 of his last 5 games. Palat has also recorded a point in 4 straight games. His involvement on the powerplay should also help see him hit this over.
Victor Hedman Over 3 Shots
Hedman has recorded 3 or more shots in 4 of his last 5 games, and during this playoff run is averaging 3.5 shots a game. The Lightning are going to need shots from the point to cause goal-scoring opportunities. Hedman is the leader of this blue line group and will need to set the tone in game 2. Hedman is always on the ice and should see 22 minutes of ice time, thanks to his involvement on the powerplay and penalty kill.
Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 28.5 Saves
This line seems too low for a goalie who is this talented and has easily hit the over in 4 of his last 5 contests. Vasilevskiy lowest save amount in the Panthers series was 33. He should be seeing at least 32 shots a game, and it is very unlike him to give up as many goals as he did in game 1. The Rangers should be confident after game 1 and continue to fire away, I can just see Tampa being more prepared and Vasilevskiy being at his normal, elite level of play that we have seen for the past few seasons.
Rangers Player Picks
Igor Shesterkin Over 30.5 Saves
Shesterkin has hit the over on this mark in 4 of his last 5 games. The Rangers in the playoffs are averaging 38.9 shots against per game. Shesterkin should see enough shots in this game to have a good chance to hit this over. Especially if there are as many penalties as there were in game 1 of the series. Tampa will come more prepared for game 2 and we should see a tighter contest in this game.
Mika Zibanejad Under 3 Shots
Mika Zibanejad had an amazing first game, recording 7 shots, a goal, and an assist. Game 1 was the only time Zibanejad has had over 3 shots in his last 5 games. Tampa could have been focusing on stopping Kreider (Kreider only had 1 shot) more than worrying about Zibanejad. If Tampa will allow Zibanejad to keep shooting, he will but with his history and his playstyle he is more of the setup man and 3 shots could be tougher to get to in game 2 of this series.
Filip Chytil Over 2 Shots
The Rangers’ third line has been great in their playoff run so far. Chytil has been red hot in his last 3 games, recording 5 goals in that span. Chytil should see more opportunity with how well he has been playing. He has a hot stick and should continue to fire away at the net. Chytil should see time on the powerplay and should have the opportunity for at least 2 shots on net.
Artemi Panarin Over 2 Shots
Panarin is going to be too involved in the game to not have around 2 shots. He has had 2 or more shots in 4 of his last 5 games. First line powerplay opportunities should help him reach this line. Panarin scored in game 1 and should have the confidence to keep taking his shot when given the opportunity.
Adam Fox Over .5 Assists
It’s hard to predict an assist but if anyone has an opportunity for one, it’s Adam Fox. Fox has recorded at least 1 assist in each of his last 5 games and through 15 playoff games, he has 15 assists. He is one of, if not the best, defensemen in the offensive zone. He should also see at least 25 minutes of ice time. Always on the ice, is very involved in the offense and the powerplay is what gives Fox a great chance to record a helper in this game.
Bonus Rival Pick
Ondrej Palat +1 vs Chris Kreider Shots
I like Palat in this matchup. Kreider has recorded 1 shot in 2 of his last 3 games, while Palat has had 3 shots in back-to-back games. Getting the +1 shot helps and should see Palat take this rival matchup.
