NHL: Rangers face Blue Jackets while Lightning checks Islanders

Rangers (18-19-7) +190 @ Blue Jackets -230 (26-15-3) at 6:00 PM ET
Pick: Blue Jackets money line -230

The Rangers are coming off of the heels of a gritty win against their New York brethren yesterday and are heading full throttle into a way tougher matchup on the later end of a back-to-back. The Blue Jackets on the other hand are also heading into the later half of a back-to-back today as well. They defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions last night in a very tight game.

Both teams will be tired but we have to pick the Blue Jackets in this one. They have a better constructed roster, they play hard every single night, and F Artemi Panarin can change the pace of a game on a whim whenever he choses. The Rangers just don’t have the fire power to keep up. Take the Blue Jackets here, it’s the safe bet.

Lightning (35-8-2) -160 @ Islanders (24-15-4) +135 at 7:00 PM ET
Pick: Lightning money line

The Lightning are a powerhouse. They are a well-oiled machine and have All Star caliber players all throughout their lineup. The Lightning just really can’t seem to lose. They are 9-1-0 in their last 10 and have been a total wagon this season.

The Islanders are no joke either this season, but they don’t stand a chance against this Lightning team. F Nikita Kucherov of the Lightning leads the league in points with a whopping 75 (22-53) points in 45 games! That is unheard of. Much like the Rangers/Blue Jackets game, both these teams are going into the second half of a back-to-back as well, maybe the isles take advantage of that, but we doubt it. The Lightning are just too good.