Back the Rangers . . . IF they're healthy

As Bark Bets continues on this week, we won't celebrate that Boston easily covered for us too much — we promise. The NBA Finals return tomorrow, and we'll chat more about the Celtics-Warriors then.

Tonight's focus turns to the ice as we have Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Final. This series between the Lightning and Rangers is knotted at two games apiece, with the home team having won each game thus far. Will that streak continue? 

New York aims to take series lead as host to Tampa Bay - Game 4 saw the Lightning maintain control throughout en route to a 4-1 victory. The series heads back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5. The news to monitor today is that of New York's injuries. The Rangers' second- and third-line centers, Ryan Strome and Filip Chytil, are both battling ailments and will be game-time decisions. Strome missed Game 4, and Chytil was forced out in the second period last game. Their absence would be a notable loss for New York's offensive chances. If they're good to go, we like the Rangers to win this game. New York has been a different team skating at home, averaging 4.22 goals per game and allowing only 2.22 scores per game. We're comfortable backing the Rangers at +110 if even just one of these two is good to go, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for official lineup news.

The under has hit in three straight games, and we like that to continue tonight. The series is tightening up, just as we figured it might given the star power in net for both teams. The total has reached exactly five goals in three straight contests, and we're betting under 5.5 goals in this one to keep that streak alive. If you're looking for a prop play, we recommend Igor Shesterkin's saves. The Rangers are seeing nearly 40 shots per game against them when skating at home, yet Shesterkin is allowing only 2.22 goals per game in New York this postseason. With the Lightning shooting the puck at a frequent rate, there should be enough volume to cash this saves prop. Shesterkin's line is likely to be around 31.5 when books open the market. We like the over.

In other news...

Big week in golf headlined by LIV Golf Tour beginning, RBC Canadian Open - The big news in the golf world this week surrounds the LIV Golf Tour's first tournament. The 48-golfer field has drawn controversy with the league's funding by Saudi Arabia, and notable golf names such as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Louis Oosthuizen have resigned from the PGA Tour to join the league. The PGA Tour's response has been to suspend all who join LIV. The event's actual structure is unique, with teams and shotgun starts, but as of now there aren't many places to bet on the outcome. This will be one to monitor as the golf landscape navigates this new world. We can bet on the RBC Canadian Open, which teed off Thursday morning. You can still bet on the winner, and we like Cameron Smith at +1200. Smith's short game has been strong, and this course rewards such play.

Daily action available with the UEFA Nations League  - If unfamiliar, the UEFA Nations League began in 2018 and is a tournament with Europe's senior men's national teams. The tournament began June 1, and we're nearly halfway through the initial matches. Today is headlined by Switzerland vs. Spain and Portugal vs. Czech Republic. With plenty to bet on, it's a good place to look for your soccer fix. Switzerland has had their goalkeeping issues, so we like Spaniard Alvaro Morata to score his second goal of the tournament, a bet you can make at +180.

Cooper Kupp inks new deal - Just days after extending Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams continue handing out new contracts. Star receiver Cooper Kupp signed a monster five-year, $110 million contract extension, fresh off a career season. As training camp nears, it's becoming more and more difficult to not bet on the Rams to maintain their success this upcoming season. Los Angeles is +125 to win the NFC West.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll