New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Picks and Predictions April 17th 2025

New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning April 17th 2025

Planning on watching today’s Lightning and Rangers game? Catch the action at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, as the Rangers hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 6 goals, and the Rangers are -1.5 goal favorite to win at home against the Lightning.

Tampa Bay vs. New York Key Information

• Teams: Lightning at Rangers
• Where: Madison Square Garden New York
• Date: Thursday, April 17th
• Betting Odds NYR -135 | TB +110 O/U 6

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The Lightning Can Win If…

The Lightning fell to 47-26-8 after a 7-4 loss to the Jets. Tampa Bay led 2-0 early, but their defense faltered, allowing seven unanswered goals. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score reached 11. Tampa Bay, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover.

Four different Lightning players scored in the game. They led 2-0 in the first period before the Jets tied it up. Tampa Bay managed to tie the game again at 4-4 in the third period, but the Jets pulled away with three straight goals, including two empty-netters.

The Lightning found the net four times in their game against the Jets, with each goal coming from a different player. Brandon Hagel kicked things off with his 7th goal of the season, while Brayden Point followed with his 8th, scoring on a power play. Mitchell Chaffee added his 4th goal, and Nikita Kucherov, who scored Tampa Bay’s final goal, now has 10 on the season.

Despite scoring four goals, the Lightning had eight giveaways and took 30 shots on goal. They scored twice in the first period, added a third in the second, and tied the game 4-4 in the third period before the Jets pulled away.

Defensively, the Lightning struggled in their last game, allowing 7 goals on 32 shots from the Jets. Goalie Jonas Johansson made 27 saves, finishing with a save percentage of 84.4%. After tying the game at 4-4 in the 3rd period, Tampa Bay’s defense gave up three late goals, including two empty-netters.

• Over their last three games, the Lightning have gone 2-1 straight up. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 3-0 in those same games.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Lightning have gone 6-4 straight up. Against the spread, Tampa Bay went 6-4 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 7-3.

The Rangers Can Win If…

The Rangers moved above .500 with a 5-2 win over the Islanders, bringing their record to 38-36-7. Entering as -1.5 goal favorites, the Rangers covered the puck line. The total for the game was set at 6 goals, and the teams combined for 7.

Four different Rangers players scored in the game. Artemi Panarin led the way with two goals, including one in the third period to seal the win.

Artemi Panarin led the way for the Rangers with his 8th and 9th goals of the season, the latter coming on an empty net. Chris Kreider got things started with his 8th goal, a shorthanded effort in the first period. Vincent Trocheck added his 4th goal, while Adam Edstrom found the net for the first time this season.

Mika Zibanejad contributed with three assists, bringing his season total to 8. The Rangers fired 40 shots on goal and netted a power play goal from Panarin in the second period.

On the defensive side, the Rangers will look to build on their performance in their last game, where they allowed just two goals. Igor Shesterkin made 35 saves, finishing with a 94.6% save percentage. The Rangers’ defense also contributed 10 takeaways, 19 hits, and 18 blocks. After giving up a late goal in the 2nd period, they shut out the Islanders in the 3rd.

• Over their last three games, the Rangers have gone 2-1 straight up. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 3-0.
• Across New York’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 4-6. Across these games, their puck line record was just 3-7, while posting an over-under record of 8-2.

The Lean

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Rangers to pick up on a win over the Lightning at home. With the moneyline sitting at -135, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Rangers straight-up.

For a puck line prediction, our preference is the Rangers to secure a win and cover. Anticipate the Rangers to win this one by multiple goals over the Lightning.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

Expert Hockey Handicappers

The final game of the NHL regular season has two teams heading in opposite emotional directions. For the Tampa Bay Lightning, it’s a time of excitement, momentum, and playoff readiness. For the New York Rangers, it’s a painful finale to one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory.

Lightning Strike at the Right Time

The Tampa Bay Lightning are peaking when it matters most. Clinching second place in the Atlantic Division and securing home-ice advantage, Tampa Bay looks every bit a legitimate contender heading into the playoffs.

Their recent dominance was on full display in a 5-1 rout over the Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup champions. It was a night where everything clicked. Star trio Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, and Jake Guentzel combined for six points, demonstrating their chemistry and playoff readiness.

Key Performers Heating Up

• Brayden Point: On fire with 10 goals in the last 13 games, and locking in his third straight 40-goal season.
• Nikita Kucherov: Set to lead the NHL in points (121) for the third time in his career.
• Jake Guentzel: Delivered 14 goals and 12 assists over his past 24 games.

Coach Jon Cooper reflected on the team’s resilience:

“We get counted out year after year, and this group keeps proving the doubters wrong. We’re in the mix—16 teams left, and we’re one of them.”

This marks the first time since 2019 that Tampa Bay will enter the playoffs with home-ice advantage through a full regular season—an important edge as they chase another Stanley Cup.

Rangers Hit Rock Bottom After Promising Start

For the New York Rangers, the mood could not be more different. After earning the President’s Trophy last season and posting over 107 points for three straight years, their current record of 38-36-7 (83 points) is a stunner.

Their fate was sealed with a 7-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, officially eliminating them from playoff contention. That collapse includes a nightmarish stretch of 15 losses in 19 games, dragging them from a contender to an afterthought.

Notable Lows and What’s Next

• One of only four teams in NHL history to miss the playoffs the year after winning the President’s Trophy.
• 7-10-3 in their last 20 games, a stretch that shattered morale and momentum.
• Out of the playoffs, the Rangers are now evaluating young talent, giving opportunities to players like:
  • Gabe Perreault
  • Brett Berard
  • Matthew Robertson, who debuted and skated with Adam Fox on the top defensive pairing.

Despite the bleak outlook, there’s still some fight left. In a 5-3 win over Florida, Vincent Trocheck scored a pivotal shorthanded goal, and the team staged its first multi-goal comeback of the season.

Forward Juuso Parssinen summed it up:

“Even though we’re out, we still play for pride—and for the fans. You always want to win.”

Final Regular Season Stats at a Glance

Conclusion: Two Teams, Two Paths

The end of the regular season highlights the fragile nature of success in professional sports. The Lightning are locked and loaded, with stars surging and postseason aspirations alive. The Rangers, once a powerhouse, now face the long road of introspection, rebuilding, and hope for resurgence.