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Andrew Rogers
Bruins vs. Lightning: Game 2 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
The Bruins trounced the Lightning 6-2 to seize home-ice advantage in the best-of-seven series, and are now installed at -222 to get past Tampa Bay and reach the Eastern Conference final.
Bruins vs Lightning Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
The Bruins finished one point behind the Lightning in the Atlantic Division standings but have had Tampa Bay’s number this season, having won four of five games – punctuated by Saturday afternoon’s rout in which Patrice Bergeron and Rick Nash each scored twice and David Pastrnak continued his blistering point pace with four assists. Boston has loved its time in Tampa, having won six of the previous seven head-to-head encounters at Amalie Arena.
This game will likely hold at a total of 6, leaving an interesting decision for totals bettors. The Bruins are 6-0-2 O/U in their previous eight games following a victory and have exceeded the number six times with two pushes in their last 10 overall. The Lightning have gone over the total in four of their past five home contests but are 0-4 O/U in their last four games after allowing five or more goals in their previous outing.
Boston Bruins
Matchups between elite teams don’t get much more one-sided than this, with Boston having won 43 of its previous 61 meetings with Tampa Bay. And that trend could very well continue if the Lightning can’t find a way to corral the Bruins’ first line of Pastrnak, Bergeron and Brad Marchand. The trio occupy three of the top five spots on the playoff scoring sheet; Pastrnak leads the way with 17 points, with Marchand in fourth (13) and Bergeron in fifth (11).
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are a versatile bunch, and have shown terrific resiliency after an especially rough game. Tampa Bay comes in having won five of its past seven following a loss of 3+ goals, most recently cruising to a 4-0 win over the Bruins just two days after falling 4-1 to Nashville. But Tampa will need to be better on the power play if it hopes to even the series; it has converted just one of its previous 13 man-advantage opportunities over the past three games.
