Lightning vs Blue Jackets Prediction
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets face off on Thursday in an NHL showdown at Nationwide Arena.
Lightning coming off a Disappointing Loss
The Lightning have been fine to start the season, but they are coming off a disappointing loss. The Lightning were down 3-1 at the end of the first period and they weren’t able to bounce back on the way to the defeat. Jonas Johannson faced 43 shots and saved 39 of them. The defense in this game needs to do a better job of not letting as many shots get through in this game. The Lightning are averaging 3.56 goals while their defense is giving up 3.11 goals per game.
Lightning Betting Trends
- The Lightning have won seven of their last eight night games after coming off overtime.
- The Lightning have covered the puck line in five of their last six games as favorites against the Blue Jackets.
- The home team has won the first period in six of the Lightning's last seven games.
- The 'Over 2.5 Goals Period 1' market has hit in each of the Lightning's last three games as favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
Blue Jackets Look to Snap Losing Streak
The Blue Jackets have had some issues heading into this game and they have lost four games in a row. In the last game against the Dallas Stars, the Blue Jackets scored only three goals while the defense gave up five. In goal for the Blue Jackets was Elvis Merzlikins and he saved 28 of the 32 shots that he faced. The Blue Jackets are averaging 2.56 goals while their defense is giving up 3.33 goals per game. The offense is ranked 26th, and they need to find a way to get the offense going here.
Blue Jackets Betting Trends
- The Blue Jackets have lost eight of their last nine night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven games as home underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The 'Over 2.5 Goals Period 1' market has hit in three of the Blue Jackets' last four home games against the Lightning.
- The Blue Jackets have lost the first period in each of their last seven games at Nationwide Arena following a road loss.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets ranks 26th in the league for goals per game this season (2.56).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets ranks T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (1).
- The Tampa Bay Lightning ranks 3rd in the league in power play percentage this season (33.33%).
- The Tampa Bay Lightning ranks T7th in the league for goals per game this season (3.56).
Shane’s Free Pick
The Blue Jackets are going to continue their losing streak here. The defense for the Blue Jackets has been an issue and they are going to really struggle in this game. Look for the Lightning to score at least five goals here and the Blue Jackets aren’t going to be having the offense to keep up in this game. Back the Lightning to secure the victory here.
