Lightning vs. Rangers Picks and Prediction – 4/17/2025

Tampa Bay Lightning (46-26-8) vs. New York Rangers (38-36-7)
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: ESPN+

Previous Games:

  • Lightning: Coming off a 7-4 win vs. Buffalo

  • Rangers: Coming off a 5-3 win vs. Florida

Head-to-Head:

Tampa Bay has already won both meetings this season and looks to complete the sweep tonight at MSG. The Lightning have been the more consistent and potent team offensively, and their road defense has held strong down the stretch.

Tampa Bay Lightning Breakdown:

The Lightning come into this game averaging 3.6 goals per game and have scored 7+ goals twice in their last four games. Offensively, they’re clicking behind elite playmakers like Kucherov (119 points, 83 assists) and sharp-shooters Brayden Point (41 goals) and Jake Guentzel (40 goals). Defensively, they’ve been solid on the road recently, allowing just 2.2 goals per game in their last five away matchups. Tampa has the clear upper hand in scoring depth and special teams and will be hungry to keep their edge over New York.

Key Players:

  • Nikita Kucherov: 36 goals, 83 assists

  • Brayden Point: 41 goals, 39 assists

  • Jake Guentzel: 40 goals, 35 assists

New York Rangers Breakdown:

Despite a recent win, the Rangers have dropped 3 of their last 5 and have been getting shelled defensively—giving up an average of 5 goals per game in that span. At home, they've also been shaky, going 18-19-3, and have allowed nearly 5 goals per game over their last five at MSG. Offensively, they’re still relying heavily on Artemi Panarin (37 goals, 89 points) and Vincent Trocheck (25 goals), but their defensive breakdowns have cost them repeatedly. Facing a high-powered offense like Tampa Bay’s doesn’t bode well for a turnaround tonight.

Key Players:

  • Artemi Panarin: 37 goals, 52 assists

  • Vincent Trocheck: 25 goals, 38 assists

  • Juuso Parssinen: 2 goals in last 3 games

Betting Trends:

Tampa Bay Lightning:

  • 18-18-4 on the road

  • Allowed just 2.2 goals per game in their last 5 road games

  • 2-0 vs. Rangers this season

New York Rangers:

  • 18-19-3 at home

  • Allowed 4.8 goals per game in last 5 home games

  • Trying to avoid season sweep vs. Tampa

Exact Score Prediction:

Tampa Bay Lightning 5 – New York Rangers 3

Our Best Bet:

Tampa Bay Lightning ML (+110)

Tampa Bay is the more complete and consistent team entering this matchup. They’ve owned the season series so far and come in with a huge edge in firepower and recent defensive form. With New York allowing nearly 5 goals per game at home recently and struggling to find any rhythm, this is a great spot to back the Lightning at plus money to finish the sweep.

VIEW OUR FREE NBA PREDICTIONS: https://www.precisesportspicks.com/blogs/nba-games

Back to blog