The Tampa Bay Lightning are back at it Thursday, hosting the New York Rangers on the heels of a 4-1 win against former franchise great Martin St. Louis and the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. Read on for our Rangers vs. Lightning picks.
There is naturally some heat between the Lightning and Rangers after Tampa Bay eliminated New York in the Eastern Conference Final last season.
The New York Rangers returned from the break with a thud, dropping a 4-0 home decision to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. Even so, with an 8-2 record in the past 10 games, the Rangers are quickly gaining ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Thursday's matchup, however, could prove to be a tough test for the Blueshirts. After losing their last two games before the holiday break, the Lightning returned to the winner's circle against the Canadiens. The Lightning are now 10-2 in their past 12 home games.