Forward Andrew Copp says the New York Rangers remain in a confident mood despite losing the last two games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the now-tied Eastern Conference Final.
New York are 6/4 to eliminate the two-time defending champions and 13/2 to win the Stanley Cup themselves against the Colorado Avalanche who await their opponent for the final.
What: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers, Western Conference Finals Game 5
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
When: 01:00, Friday 10th June, 2022
How to watch: TNT or bet365 Live Stream
Odds: TB Lightning 4/5 NY Rangers 21/20
Copp making an impact
27-year-old Copp was acquired by the Rangers from the Winnipeg Jets ahead of the trade deadline and made an immediate impact in the regular season scoring 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 16 games to help the Rangers finish second in the Metropolitan Division (52-24-6).
With a single regulation win more than Tampa Bay in the regular season, New York have home advantage for conference final something Copp was keen to stress after a 4-1 defeat in Game 4 on Tuesday.
The series shifts back to New York on Thursday where the Rangers have won their last eight post-season games with a plus-19 goal differential (35-16). They are 3-0 in home games following a road loss.
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Powers of recovery
Copp also points to being 3-1 down against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Round 1 and 2-0 down to the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2 as reasons for optimism as the Rangers rallied from the adversity to win both series in a Game 7.
In the 18 playoff games so far, Copp has 13 points (six goals, seven assists).
He said to the media: "We're probably in the best spot we've been through three series, we've got two games at home.
"I think we're all confident where we're at right now, but there has to be an increased level of desperation for sure."
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