Prop bets for Lightning vs. Rangers Eastern Conference Final Game 1

Well, Tuesday night was a ton of fun in the NHL, and now our attention turns to the Eastern Conference Final bout between the Lightning and Rangers.

At first glance, it feels best to temper expectations around goal-scoring. While there will surely be goals scored, it's unrealistic to expect the fireworks we were gifted Wednesday night.

Still, there is prop value to be had in this one. We begin with a game prop and then dig into the individuals who look good for Game 1.

Rangers to score first (+105 DK)

Here's a quick one to get our night going and a market I haven't yet bet on. The belief here that New York scores first is rooted in scheduling.

Tampa Bay hasn't played since May 23, eight days ago, and the Rangers just played on Monday. I foresee New York coming out the gates as the much sharper team while the Lightning work off some rust from such a long layoff.

That's all this bet is for me, and at home where New York has done the bulk of their playoff scoring, I like giving this a chance Wednesday night.

Adam Fox point (-135 CZR)

I heavily considered pivoting to a Fox assist, which is -105, but I can drink the juice here on a Fox point as long as it hovers around this price.

While the majority of Fox's postseason points are assists, the Rangers defensemen has scored five times through the first two rounds. Thus, we take the safer path here with his point prop.

Fox has been rolling with a point in 12 of 14 games in these playoffs, 18 total. I lean the Rangers to win Wednesday night; they've played more recently and are skating at home, and I wouldn't be surprised if Tampa starts off a bit slow, as mentioned above.

Fox, the top-line defensemen and member of their top power-play unit, has been a focal point of the Rangers' attack and is a huge reason why they are still playing.

Keep that involvement humming, Fox.

Artemi Panarin over 2.5 SOG (+130 CZR)

While the Tampa side looks more favorable for shots on goal, I still do see a glimmer of hope on the Rangers' end, and that man is Artemi Panarin.

Panarin has suited up against the Lightning twice this season. While he covered his SOG only once, what I'm following here is volume. He had 13 shot attempts in those two meetings, the most I'm seeing on the Rangers' end. 

He clearly found some space to operate, and a look back on his history against Tampa shows me a guy who has had this space before. In his last 12 meetings against the Lightning, Panarin has gone for three or more shots on goal 10 times.

That's a rock-solid hit-rate and one I like to follow at +130.

The true push of Panarin over the edge for me is actually power-play data. Tampa has been one of the more penalized teams in these playoffs, averaging nearly four power-play opportunities allowed per game this posteason.

Panarin leads the Rangers in power-play shots through the first two rounds of the playoffs, and if those opportunities present themselves, it could be the difference between two or three shots.

I like the convergence of numbers to support Panarin here, even with his lackluster shot success in this postseason.

Nick Paul 3+ shots (+162 FD)

New York is allowing 39.14 shots per game at home this postseason, and that's a number I want to target. It's Nick Paul who stands out to me for the Lightning.

Paul has taken on more responsibility for this Tampa offense since the injury to Brayden Point, and reports suggest Point will not be playing to start this series.

Prior to a 0-SOG effort in his last game, Paul had exceeded three shots in four straight and five of six, with four times reaching four SOG in that span.

His attempt numbers have been solid, and he has 4 SOG in four straight playoff road games. I'm actually surprised to see Paul's line here, which can be found under the alt-SOG plays on FanDuel. +162 is quite a deal, and I'm playing it.

Best of luck Wednesday night, let's cash some bets in the NHL in the first game of the Eastern Conference Final.