The New York Rangers are hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning for the opener of the 2015 Eastern Conference finals. The hosts needed seven games to get past Washington in their semifinal and each of their 12 playoff games on the year have been decided by just one goal. The Lightning should at the very least be able to keep this a close game that is very likely to go past regulation.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Steven Stamkos - The 25 year old started the post-season slow but has been back to his usual self over recent games. He has one point or more in each of his last five games and had two goals and five assists over three regular season meetings with the Rangers.

2. Road Warriors - The Lightning won all three meetings during the regular season and defeated the Rangers 5-1 and 6-3 here at MSG. They've won four of their six road games in the playoffs so far.

3. X-Factor - Ben Bishop has a 1.81 goals-against average in 13 playoff games and has not lost to the Rangers in eight games.

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning +1.5 (5*)