Tonight's Eastern Conference matchup between the Ottawa Senators and the New York Rangers has more importance than first glance would indicate. Which is why I am backing the team with the most incentive to win.
The New York Rangers are sitting atop the Metropolitan Division and are in a very tight race for the President's Cup. With 112 points, the Rangers are one point ahead of both the Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars. With one game remaining for all three teams, every single point matters.
The Rangers are the heavy favorites in tonight's game, which is why I am approaching this game with a first period under to avoid paying the heavy premium of picking a side.