Currently have a Rangers to win the cup ticket at +1600 -- i think if they offered me 3 or 4x on the initial wager, I take it.
reg season is meaningless, just ask that swept Florida team... i've no idea what to expect... TB has MORE playoff seasoning... but the Rangers are now pretty well spiced too. does the KID LINE blossom MORE? thatd be sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet
I put the Rangers chances at a cup at about 33% at this point. 65%+ in the next series and 50-55% in the finals if they get there between Edmonton (55%) and Colorado (50%). Probably right to take the offer you mentioned.
Money Puck is an NHL analytics group (not sure if one person or a group but I believe it's a group) that runs win probability scenarios based on analytics and past performances. They have the Rangers at a 33.3% chance of making the Stanley Cup Finals and a 7.5% chance of winning, as of right now. Obviously the odds of winning the Cup goes up if they win the series.
33% to make and 7.5% to win makes no sense. That means they grade the Rangers chances at winning in the finals if they pass this series at about 23% which I guarantee you is wrong even if the Rangers are significant underdogs.
I think it's very close between the two. What's not as close is the level of defense Carolina plays vs the level of defense TB plays. Carolina was the best defensive team in hockey during the regular season and Raanta played well in the post season. He had a better GAA than Shesterkin and was right behind Vasielesky. I guess my point is that it's not like the Rangers are coming off beating a weak defensive team and now they are facing a much better one. Vasielesky will be harder to beat than Raanta but the Rangers should get more scoring opportunities against TB. I'm far more concerned with TB's offense and Shesterkin will have to play at a high level.
Both Igor and Vasilevskiy both have 11 expected goals saved above average. They’re playing at the same level right now. The biggest difference is I don’t think Vasilevskiy has lapses in concentration where as Igor still does occasionally. I think when Igor isn’t being peppered with low danger chances, he gets bored and loses focus.
If both the Rangers and Oilers advance to the Cup round, the Rangers would have home ice. Just something to think about.
btw, mad props on the tradeline additions.. Mott and Vatrano... friggin Mott w/ 11 ptys in the PO's!!
I know this is unlikely because they are a well-run organization, but I REALLY hope the Lightning are reading their press clippings right now. No one is giving the Rangers a prayer.
