Saturday’s NHL slate features a contest between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers at Amalie Arena, with the puck dropping at 7:00 PM ET. Whether you’re looking to place a single bet or plan to build a parlay, you’ll want to check out our picks and projections in the piece below.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Lightning vs. Rangers Picks

Bet on this or any NHL matchup at BetMGM.

Total Pick

Pick OU: Over 6 (model projecting 6.3 goals)

• Tampa Bay and its opponent have combined for more than Saturday’s total of 6 goals 19 times this season.
• This season, 17 of New York’s games have featured more than 6 goals.
• The Lightning score 3.94 goals per game, compared to the Rangers’ average of 2.82, adding up to 0.8 more goals than this contest’s over/under of 6.
• These two teams give up a combined 5.8 goals per game, 0.2 less than this one’s over/under.

Bet on the total at BetMGM today!

Moneyline Pick

Lightning Moneyline: -162

• The Lightning have won 70.0% of their games when favored on the moneyline this season (14-6).
• In games it has played with moneyline odds of -162 or shorter, Tampa Bay has compiled a 5-3 record (winning 62.5% of its games).
• The Lightning’s implied moneyline win probability is 61.8% in this game.

Rangers Moneyline: +135

• In eight games as an underdog on the moneyline, New York has achieved the upset twice.
• The Rangers have one victory in matches with moneyline odds of +135 or longer (in three chances).
• New York has a 42.6% implied probability to win this game.

Place your moneyline bet at BetMGM now!

Score Prediction

Prediction:
Tampa Bay 5, New York 2

Lightning Points Leaders

• With 15 goals and 34 assists this season, Nikita Kucherov is one of Tampa Bay’s top contributors (49 points).
• Having scored 22 goals and adding 17 assists, Brayden Point is a top contributor for Tampa Bay through 28 games.
• Tampa Bay’s offensive effort is aided by Brandon Hagel’s 39 points. He’s contributed 23 assists.
• Across 26 games played, Andrei Vasilevskiy has a goaltending record of 15-10-1. During those games, he’s allowed 61 goals while recording 615 saves.

Rangers Points Leaders

• Artemi Panarin has recorded 15 goals (0.4 per game) and collected 21 assists (0.6 per game), averaging 2.9 shots per game and shooting 15.2%. That makes him among the leaders for New York with 36 total points (1.1 per game).
• Adam Fox’s 26 points this season, including one goal and 25 assists, make him one of the top offensive threats for New York.
• Will Cuylle has 11 goals and 13 assists, for a season point total of 24.
• New York’s Igor Shesterkin is 11-13-1 this season, compiling 716 saves and permitting 69 goals (2.9 goals against average) with a .912 save percentage (10th-best in the league).

Lightning’s Schedule

Looking for officially licensed NHL gear? Fanatics has jerseys, hats, apparel, memorabilia, trading cards, collectibles and more.

Rangers’ Schedule

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Tampa Bay vs. New York Game Info

• Date: Saturday, December 28, 2024
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• How to watch on TV: ESPN+
• Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
• Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Venue: Amalie Arena

Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.