The Bolts are back-to-back Stanley Cup champs, sit first in the NHL this season with 51 points, and now have star forward Nikita Kucherov back in their lineup as they host the Bruins Saturday.
Kucherov actually returned on Thursday versus Calgary and tallied two assists in his first game in just under three months.
Tampa Bay’s 23-8-5 record has them two points ahead of Florida for first in the Central Division. Boston’s way behind in the division race and just lead the pack of teams chasing the final wild-card spot in the East. At 17-11-2, the Bruins are one point ahead of Detroit for eighth place and five points ahead of 12th-place Columbus.
Puck drop at Amalie Arena is set for 7 p.m. EST, with Tampa Bay a -152 moneyline favourite and the over-under at 5.5 on the NHL odds.
Bruins vs. Lightning NHL Betting Odds
The Lightning have been red hot at home with wins in eight of their last nine at Amalie and a 12-3-3 record on the year. But Boston enters on a hot steak away from home, winning seven of their last nine home games.
Head-to-head, Tampa Bay’s taken all of these teams’ last five meetings and dating back even further have won eight of their last 10. It’ll be the second time these teams face off this season, with the Lightning winning 3-2 on a Steven Stamkos overtime goal back on December 4.
Boston Bruins
Boston had a three-game winning streak snapped the last time they took the ice, falling 3-2 to Minnesota at home on Thursday. Taylor Hall and Brad Marchand each scored for the Bruins, with Marchand’s being his team-leading 12th of the season. Now 30 games into the season, only two Bruins have doubled-digit goals and they sit 18th in goals per game with 2.87.
With nine goals on the season, David Pastrnak is one short of the mark and has only scored once since the end of November. Pastrnak’s lone goal did come on Tuesday versus New Jersey, but none the less the three-time 35-goal scorer is having a tough time finding twine in 2021–22.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov’s return sparked the Lightning on Thursday, defeating the Flames 4-1 at home. Along with Kucherov, defenceman Ryan McDonagh also had a multi-point night with two assists too. Stamkos recorded a lone assist to give him a team-high 41 points on the season.
In net, Andrei Vasilevskiy remains at an elite level His 19 wins leads all goalies this season and .926 save percentage is among the best starters. In eight NHL seasons Vasilevskiy is posting a .920 save percentage for his career — and at 27 years old is now in the prime of what’s becoming a legendary career.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Bruins vs. Lightning?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 7 Jan 9:46pm | BOS | -1.5 +162 | O +5.5 -120 |
| Closing 8 Jan 11:41pm | BOS | -1.5 +131 | O +5.5 -119 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bruins Team Leaders
| Points |
80 |
| + / - |
31 |
| Shots |
312 |
| Penalty Mins |
97 |
| Wins |
26 |
| GAA |
2.41 |
| Points |
106 |
| + / - |
26 |
| Shots |
241 |
| Penalty Mins |
134 |
| Wins |
39 |
| GAA |
2.43 |
| Points |
11 |
| + / - |
3 |
| Shots |
39 |
| Penalty Mins |
16 |
| Wins |
3 |
| GAA |
2.63 |
| Points |
10 |
| + / - |
2 |
| Shots |
30 |
| Penalty Mins |
17 |
| Wins |
5 |
| GAA |
2.79 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lightning Team Leaders
| Points |
80 |
| + / - |
31 |
| Shots |
312 |
| Penalty Mins |
97 |
| Wins |
26 |
| GAA |
2.41 |
| Points |
106 |
| + / - |
26 |
| Shots |
241 |
| Penalty Mins |
134 |
| Wins |
39 |
| GAA |
2.43 |
| Points |
11 |
| + / - |
3 |
| Shots |
39 |
| Penalty Mins |
16 |
| Wins |
3 |
| GAA |
2.63 |
| Points |
10 |
| + / - |
2 |
| Shots |
30 |
| Penalty Mins |
17 |
| Wins |
5 |
| GAA |
2.79 |
Injuries
Matt Grzelcyk (D)
Charlie McAvoy (D)
Hampus Lindholm (D)
Matt Grzelcyk (D)
Taylor Hall (LW)
Brad Marchand (LW)
Charlie McAvoy (D)
David Pastrnak (RW)
Hampus Lindholm (D)
Taylor Hall (LW)
Erik Cernak (D)
Brayden Point (C)
Brayden Point (C)
Jan Rutta (D)
Brayden Point (C)
Erik Cernak (D)
Jan Rutta (D)
Mikhail Sergachev (D)
Brayden Point (C)
Brian Elliott (G)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Grzelcyk (D) | Ques Sat | Undisclosed - 12 / 05 / 22 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
Grzelcyk is nursing an unspecified ailment, and it is undetermined if he will lace up against the Hurricanes in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Charlie McAvoy (D) | Ques Tues | Illness - 08 / 05 / 22 | 3-1 | 3-0-1 | + - |
|
McAvoy has been added to the COVID-19 protocol list, and it is has yet to be determined if he will be available for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Hurricanes. |
|||||
| Hampus Lindholm (D) | Prob Thurs | Concussion - 04 / 05 / 22 | 3-3 | 5-0-1 | + - |
|
Lindholm is experiencing concussion-like symptoms, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Hurricanes. |
|||||
| Matt Grzelcyk (D) | Out Fri | Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 | 4-4 | 6-1-1 | + - |
|
Grzelcyk will not face the Maple Leafs on Friday, as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Taylor Hall (LW) | Out Fri | Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 | 4-4 | 6-1-1 | + - |
|
Hall will not partake in Friday's contest against the Maple Leafs, as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Brad Marchand (LW) | Out Fri | Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 | 4-4 | 6-1-1 | + - |
|
Marchand will not be available versus the Maple Leafs on Friday, as he will be rested. |
|||||
| Charlie McAvoy (D) | Out Fri | Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 | 4-4 | 6-1-1 | + - |
|
McAvoy will not be active for Friday's game versus the Maple Leafs, as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| David Pastrnak (RW) | Out Fri | Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 | 4-4 | 6-1-1 | + - |
|
Pastrnak will not be in Friday's tilt versus the Maples Leafs, as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Hampus Lindholm (D) | Out Fri | Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 | 4-4 | 6-1-1 | + - |
|
Lindholm will not suit up versus the Maple Leafs on Friday, as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Taylor Hall (LW) | Ques Tues | Upper Body - 24 / 04 / 22 | 7-4 | 7-3-1 | + - |
|
Hall is tending to an upper-body injury, and it is unknown if he will face the Panthers on Tuesday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erik Cernak (D) | Prob Thurs | Hand - 17 / 05 / 22 | 2-0 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Cernak is tending to a hand injury, but it is projected that he will face the Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round. |
|||||
| Brayden Point (C) | Out Thurs | Lower Body - 15 / 05 / 22 | 2-0 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Point is battling a lower-body injury, and he will not dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Panthers. |
|||||
| Brayden Point (C) | day-to-day | Undisclosed - 14 / 05 / 22 | 2-1 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Point exited Saturday's game with an unspecified issue, and it is unknown if he will return. |
|||||
| Jan Rutta (D) | Ques Fri | Head - 04 / 05 / 22 | 5-3 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Rutta is managing a head laceration, and it is uncertain if he will suit up for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Maple Leafs. |
|||||
| Brayden Point (C) | Prob Mon | Lower Body - 01 / 05 / 22 | 6-3 | 6-3 | + - |
|
Point is dealing with a lower-body injury, but it is likely that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Maple Leafs. |
|||||
| Erik Cernak (D) | Prob Thurs | Face - 26 / 04 / 22 | 8-4 | 8-4 | + - |
|
Cernak was forced from the previous game with a facial laceration, but it is projected that he will take on the Blue Jackets on Thursday. |
|||||
| Jan Rutta (D) | Ques Fri | Undisclosed - 25 / 04 / 22 | 8-4 | 8-4 | + - |
|
Rutta has missed the previous two games due to an injury to an unlisted location, leaving his status for Friday's clash with the Islanders in question. |
|||||
| Mikhail Sergachev (D) | Ques Tues | Undisclosed - 25 / 04 / 22 | 8-4 | 8-4 | + - |
|
Sergachev was forced from the last contest with an undefined issue, and it is unknown if he will take on the Blue Jackets on Tuesday. |
|||||
| Brayden Point (C) | Prob Sat | Lower Body - 21 / 04 / 22 | 10-5 | 11-4 | + - |
|
Point has sat out the last two contests dealing with a lower-body injury, but it is projected that he will battle the Predators on Saturday. |
|||||
| Brian Elliott (G) | Ques Fri | Illness - 31 / 03 / 22 | 13-12 | 18-7 | + - |
|
Elliott is ailing from a non-COVID-19 illness, and it is unclear if he will be active for Friday's tilt against the Blackhawks. |
|||||
-
BOSTON BRUINS
1 -
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
4
Score
Prediction
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 7 Jan 9:46pm BOS -1.5 +162 O +5.5 -120 Closing 8 Jan 11:41pm BOS -1.5 +131 O +5.5 -119 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bruins Team Leaders
Points 80
+ / - 31
Shots 312
Penalty Mins 97
Wins 26
GAA 2.41
Points 106
+ / - 26
Shots 241
Penalty Mins 134
Wins 39
GAA 2.43
Points 11
+ / - 3
Shots 39
Penalty Mins 16
Wins 3
GAA 2.63
Points 10
+ / - 2
Shots 30
Penalty Mins 17
Wins 5
GAA 2.79
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lightning Team Leaders
Points 80
+ / - 31
Shots 312
Penalty Mins 97
Wins 26
GAA 2.41
Points 106
+ / - 26
Shots 241
Penalty Mins 134
Wins 39
GAA 2.43
Points 11
+ / - 3
Shots 39
Penalty Mins 16
Wins 3
GAA 2.63
Points 10
+ / - 2
Shots 30
Penalty Mins 17
Wins 5
GAA 2.79
-
Injuries
Matt Grzelcyk (D)
Ques Sat Undisclosed - 12 / 05 / 22Charlie McAvoy (D)
Ques Tues Illness - 08 / 05 / 22Hampus Lindholm (D)
Prob Thurs Concussion - 04 / 05 / 22Matt Grzelcyk (D)
Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22Taylor Hall (LW)
Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22Brad Marchand (LW)
Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22Charlie McAvoy (D)
Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22David Pastrnak (RW)
Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22Hampus Lindholm (D)
Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22Taylor Hall (LW)
Ques Tues Upper Body - 24 / 04 / 22Erik Cernak (D)
Prob Thurs Hand - 17 / 05 / 22Brayden Point (C)
Out Thurs Lower Body - 15 / 05 / 22Brayden Point (C)
day-to-day Undisclosed - 14 / 05 / 22Jan Rutta (D)
Ques Fri Head - 04 / 05 / 22Brayden Point (C)
Prob Mon Lower Body - 01 / 05 / 22Erik Cernak (D)
Prob Thurs Face - 26 / 04 / 22Jan Rutta (D)
Ques Fri Undisclosed - 25 / 04 / 22Mikhail Sergachev (D)
Ques Tues Undisclosed - 25 / 04 / 22Brayden Point (C)
Prob Sat Lower Body - 21 / 04 / 22Brian Elliott (G)
Ques Fri Illness - 31 / 03 / 22Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Matt Grzelcyk (D) Ques Sat Undisclosed - 12 / 05 / 22 1-1 2-0 + - Grzelcyk is nursing an unspecified ailment, and it is undetermined if he will lace up against the Hurricanes in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Charlie McAvoy (D) Ques Tues Illness - 08 / 05 / 22 3-1 3-0-1 + - McAvoy has been added to the COVID-19 protocol list, and it is has yet to be determined if he will be available for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Hurricanes.
Hampus Lindholm (D) Prob Thurs Concussion - 04 / 05 / 22 3-3 5-0-1 + - Lindholm is experiencing concussion-like symptoms, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Hurricanes.
Matt Grzelcyk (D) Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 4-4 6-1-1 + - Grzelcyk will not face the Maple Leafs on Friday, as he will be given a day of rest.
Taylor Hall (LW) Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 4-4 6-1-1 + - Hall will not partake in Friday's contest against the Maple Leafs, as he will receive a day of rest.
Brad Marchand (LW) Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 4-4 6-1-1 + - Marchand will not be available versus the Maple Leafs on Friday, as he will be rested.
Charlie McAvoy (D) Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 4-4 6-1-1 + - McAvoy will not be active for Friday's game versus the Maple Leafs, as he will receive a day of rest.
David Pastrnak (RW) Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 4-4 6-1-1 + - Pastrnak will not be in Friday's tilt versus the Maples Leafs, as he will receive a day of rest.
Hampus Lindholm (D) Out Fri Rest - 29 / 04 / 22 4-4 6-1-1 + - Lindholm will not suit up versus the Maple Leafs on Friday, as he will be given a day of rest.
Taylor Hall (LW) Ques Tues Upper Body - 24 / 04 / 22 7-4 7-3-1 + - Hall is tending to an upper-body injury, and it is unknown if he will face the Panthers on Tuesday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Erik Cernak (D) Prob Thurs Hand - 17 / 05 / 22 2-0 0-2 + - Cernak is tending to a hand injury, but it is projected that he will face the Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round.
Brayden Point (C) Out Thurs Lower Body - 15 / 05 / 22 2-0 0-2 + - Point is battling a lower-body injury, and he will not dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Panthers.
Brayden Point (C) day-to-day Undisclosed - 14 / 05 / 22 2-1 1-2 + - Point exited Saturday's game with an unspecified issue, and it is unknown if he will return.
Jan Rutta (D) Ques Fri Head - 04 / 05 / 22 5-3 5-3 + - Rutta is managing a head laceration, and it is uncertain if he will suit up for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Maple Leafs.
Brayden Point (C) Prob Mon Lower Body - 01 / 05 / 22 6-3 6-3 + - Point is dealing with a lower-body injury, but it is likely that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Maple Leafs.
Erik Cernak (D) Prob Thurs Face - 26 / 04 / 22 8-4 8-4 + - Cernak was forced from the previous game with a facial laceration, but it is projected that he will take on the Blue Jackets on Thursday.
Jan Rutta (D) Ques Fri Undisclosed - 25 / 04 / 22 8-4 8-4 + - Rutta has missed the previous two games due to an injury to an unlisted location, leaving his status for Friday's clash with the Islanders in question.
Mikhail Sergachev (D) Ques Tues Undisclosed - 25 / 04 / 22 8-4 8-4 + - Sergachev was forced from the last contest with an undefined issue, and it is unknown if he will take on the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
Brayden Point (C) Prob Sat Lower Body - 21 / 04 / 22 10-5 11-4 + - Point has sat out the last two contests dealing with a lower-body injury, but it is projected that he will battle the Predators on Saturday.
Brian Elliott (G) Ques Fri Illness - 31 / 03 / 22 13-12 18-7 + - Elliott is ailing from a non-COVID-19 illness, and it is unclear if he will be active for Friday's tilt against the Blackhawks.