Rangers Face Lightning: New York Versus Tampa Bay Game Preview
The NHL regular season closes with the New York Rangers visiting the Tampa Bay Lightning. Game time is 7:00 PM EST at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.
Context and stakes
Tampa Bay enters 50-25-6 and is locked into the Atlantic Division’s second seed. Their final regular season game carries no playoff-seeding consequences.
The Rangers sit at 33-39-9 and play for pride. A loss could still leave them holding the third spot in the draft lottery.
Broadcast and betting
The game will air on The Spot, MSG, TVAS2, and stream on ESPN+. Radio coverage includes 102.5 FM and the Lightning App. Tampa Bay is a slight favorite at -115.
Recent preparation and roster moves
There was an optional morning skate on Wednesday. The Lightning recalled goalie Brandon Halverson from Syracuse ahead of the game.
Andrei Vasilevskiy skated but exited early. Coach Jon Cooper may split goaltending duties between Vasilevskiy and Halverson.
Injury updates and returns
Max Crozier is available after a 26-game absence with injury. His return gives Cooper flexibility for forward rotations.
Lines and matchups
Practice combinations were shared by reporter Benjamin Pierce on April 14, 2026. The tweet listed forward and defensive groups slated for the game.
- Top forward groups included Goncalves-Cirelli-Kucherov and Guentzel-Point-Perry.
- Other forward trios: Girgensons-Gourde-Paul and Bjorkstrand-Geekie-Sabourin.
- Defense pairs mentioned were McDonagh-Cernak and Carlile-Crozier or Santini.
Player to watch
Nikita Kucherov remains a focal point. He trails Connor McDavid by four points in the Art Ross race and has recorded multiple four- and five-point games this season.
Line chemistry note
The Paul-Gourde-Girgensons trio logged 12:25 together recently. They generated a 12-9 shot attempt edge and a 5-1 scoring chance advantage in that outing.
That line posted an 86.11% expected goal share during that shift. Most of that work came against Detroit’s top line.
Club atmosphere
Following Monday’s win over Detroit, the Lightning dressing room showed relief. Coach Cooper participated in a light-hearted post-game exchange with young fans.
The matchup is also fan appreciation night. Tampa Bay can relax before the playoffs begin, likely on the upcoming weekend.
Projected rosters
Filmogaz.com compiled the probable lineups and depth charts for both clubs.
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Forwards: Brandon Hagel, Nick Paul, Nikita Kucherov, Gage Goncalves, Yanni Gourde, Jake Guentzel, Jakob Pelletier, Zemgus Girgensons, Corey Perry, Scott Sabourin, Mitchell Chaffee.
- Defense: Charle-Edouard D’Astous, Darren Raddysh, Emil Lilleberg, Erik Cernak, Declan Carlile, Max Crozier, Steven Santini.
- Goaltenders: Brandon Halverson, Andrei Vasilevskiy.
New York Rangers
- Forwards: Gabriel Perreault, Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafreniere, Tye Kartye, J.T. Miller, Conor Sheary, Will Cuylle, Vincent Trocheck, Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Sykora, Noah Laba, Jaroslav Chmelar.
- Defense: Vladislav Gavrikov, Adam Fox, Drew Fortescue, Braden Schneider, Matthew Robertson, Will Borgen.
- Goaltenders: Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Quick.
Historical note
Benchmark International Arena hosted Wayne Gretzky’s final NHL All-Star Game. Gretzky recorded a goal and an assist in that event.
The Lightning’s lone All-Star that season was Wendel Clark, according to archived listings. Other All-Star participants that year included Mark Recchi, Darryl Sydor, Nikolai Khabibulin, Mattias Ohlund, and Roman Hamrlik.
This game gives the Rangers a chance to challenge the Lightning without playoff pressure. The matchup offers a final tune-up for Tampa Bay before the postseason begins.
