Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Rangers odds, picks and predictions

The Tampa Bay Lightning (45-26-6) take on the New York Rangers (45-21-11) in a playoff tune-up Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Lightning vs. Rangers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Lightning have won 3 in a row and allowed just 1 goal in the process. They dispatched the New York Islanders 5-0 Saturday and have had a few days of rest. Tampa is 6 points away from the 2nd spot in the division and can't fall out of 3rd.

The Rangers are 7-2-1 over the last 10 games after taking down the Washington Capitals 5-2 Sunday. LW Artemi Panarin had 3 assists, and C Mika Zibanejad scored his 39th goal of the season, 2 away from his career high. The Rangers are 5 points behind the New Jersey Devils for 2nd in the division and can't fall from 3rd.

This game doesn't mean a whole lot for Tampa. Six points with 5 to go isn't insurmountable, but it's improbable. It wouldn't be a shock to see a snarky goalie swap before puck drop just to keep the other team from seeing their guy so soon before a possible playoff matchup. Keep that in mind and place your bets later in the day to be safe.