New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) makes a save against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.

The New York Rangers (8-7-2) and Tampa Bay Lightning (8-5-2) meet Wednesday in Tampa, Florida. The opening puck drop from Benchmark International Arena will be at 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NHL odds around the Rangers vs. Lightning odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

2024-25 season series: Lightning won 2-1

New York last played Monday when tabbed as a -191 favorite it downed the Nashville Predators 4-0 (Under 5.5). The Rangers head to Tampa with a 4-game road winning streak in tow. Overall, they are 7-1-1 away from home.

Tampa Bay has been off since Saturday when the Lightning defeated the +130 Washington Capitals 3-2 (Under 5.5). That game was on home ice where the Bolts have prevailed in 4 in a row. Tampa got off to a dreadful 1-4-2 start this season but is 7-1-0 since.

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Rangers at Lightning odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11:42 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rangers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Lightning -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-190) | Lightning -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Rangers at Lightning projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (5-6-2, 2.46 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (5-4-2, 2.64 GAA, .904 SV%)

Shesterkin was between the pipes in Monday's victory and allowed 3 goals on 30 shots. Two of the Preds' twine-finders were on the power play. In 6 road games this season, Shesterkin has notched a 2.13 GAA, .918 SV%.

Vasilevskiy started against the Caps, yielded 2 goals while clocking 28 saves, and has posted a .923 SV% over his last 6 games.

Rangers at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 4, Lightning 3

Moneyline

The Rangers are 7-2-1 when playing on 1-day rest. As part of their 4-game road win streak, they have filed underdog wins at the Detroit Red Wins and Edmonton Oilers during that stretch.

The Lightning have gotten tremendous goaltending and improved 5-on-5 play during their turnaround. But of late, the Bolts have faltered on faceoffs (42.6% last 6 games) and they have been outshot in 4 straight games.

Shesterkin has been a good road goalie in his career, and he has notched a career .924 SV% against Tampa. The Rangers power play was a problem area in 2024-25, and this fall it has been more of the same with New York heading into Wednesday's tilt in Tampa with a lowly 14% conversion. But the Blueshirts have been terrific in 5-on-5 play, generating a big advantage in high-danger looks most nights.

Figure this one as a game that should be more of a pick 'em. So, there is some value on the RANGERS (+125).

Puck line/Against the spread

No interest; PASS.

Over/Under

The last 4 Rangers-Bolts games have seen the Over go 3-1.

Tampa games have tended to include a lot of penalty minutes on both sides. And expected-goal analytics would say both clubs are due for better days ahead on the man advantage. This prospective goalie matchup is a good one, and both sides are responsible on defense, but peg the OVER 6 (-105) as a contrarian lean.

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Skip Snow, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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