Tampa Bay Lightning at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and predictions
The Tampa Bay Lightning (36-25-6) take on the Vegas Golden Knights (36-24-7) Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightningvs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Bolts have won 3 straight after a 5-3 win at the Florida Panthers Saturday. C Steven Stamkos lit the lamp twice, and he has 3 goals in the last 2 games and points in his last 5, as he proceeds in his final games before free agency. The Lightning are in the driver’s seat with the top Wild Card spot, 3 points up on the Washington Capitals.
The Knights have won 3 of 4 after a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils Sunday. C Jack Eichel had a goal on 8 shots, and he has 7 points in his last 4 games as the team navigates through injuries. The Knights are tied with the Los Angeles Kings at 79 points, which is good for 3rd in the Pacific Division and the 2nd Wild Card spot.
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Lightning at Golden Knights odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:45 p.m. ET.
Lightning at Golden Knights projected goalies
Andrei Vasilevskiy (24-16-1, 2.96 GAA, .898 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Adin Hill (17-9-2, 2.60 GAA, .917 SV%, 2 SO)
“Vassy” hasn’t been himself all season after a late start due to back surgery, but he has been a little better this month. He’s 4-1-0 with a 2.77 GAA and .911 SV% against some tough opponents. He was between the pipes in the 5-4 home win over VGK Dec. 21, and he stopped 30 of 34 shots.
Hill has been going downhill after he missed time with an injury. He had a 3.37 GAA in February, and he has followed it up in March with a 2-3-0 mark, a 3.63 GAA and an .887 SV%. He has allowed at least 3 goals in his last 6 starts.
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Lightning at Golden Knights picks and predictions
Prediction
Lightning 4, Golden Knights 3
These teams have traded wins in the last 3 meetings in Vegas, and Tampa is going to continue the trend after VGK won 5-4 Feb. 18, 2023. Tampa has scored 5+ goals in 3 straight, and Hill is having trouble keeping teams off the scoreboard.
Take the LIGHTNING +110.
I’ll pass on the puck line here, but I’m going hard on JACK EICHEL OVER 3.5 SHOTS (-120).
He has 4+ shots in 3 straight games and in 8 of 9. He also had 7 SOG against Tampa earlier this season. Book it.
Tampa and VGK are 7-3 O/U over the last 10. We’ve had 7+ goals in 3 straight meetings between the teams.
Neither of these goalies are showing their playoff form, so I’ll LEAN OVER 6.5 (-105).
