Lightning vs. Golden Knights NHL Betting Odds, Picks: Vegas and Tampa Bay open as a pick’em
A phenomenal 11-game slate in the NHL is capped by what could be the best game of the night.
The 6-2-0 Lightning visit the 8-2-0 Golden Knights for a heavyweight bout in Vegas. These teams’ pedigree is no secret. They also both happen to be in solid form entering this one.
In their respective last three games, Tampa and Vegas are a combined 6-1-0 with a +11 goal differential. Both teams are mostly healthy and will look to put on a show. For those fans able to stay up, this should be a game worth watching.
Lightning vs. Golden Knights NHL Betting Odds
The game is sitting as a pick’em on the NHL odds with little separating these teams. The game total is set at 5.5 goals, with the under carrying more favoured odds.
A high-scoring game would reinforce recent trends. Tampa has scored at least four goals in three out of their last four games. In the outlier game, they allowed four goals.
Vegas has scored at least five goals in three straight games, which drove the over in each fixture. If these teams bring similar form to tonight, this should be a high-scoring, fun game to watch.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning haven’t really excelled in any area so far this season. Their offence ranks 13th in the NHL in goals per game, and their power play is the second-worst in the league. Their goal prevention has been better, but ultimately is still ninth in the NHL in goals allowed per game, and is 22nd in penalty kill.
Despite fairly average rankings in key areas, the Lightning find themselves 6-2-0. The schedule may be an indicator. Tampa’s only wins against “good” teams were over Washington and Minnesota. Otherwise, it’s been fairly soft, and the Lightning have taken care of business. The Golden Knights will be a test for this team.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have not exactly gone through a gauntlet to start the season either. Just like the Lightning, it isn’t their fault they have had a soft schedule. They have taken care of business against the team in front of them, and they have done it with authority.
Vegas has an NHL-best +18 goal differential so far this season. They are bullying teams. Entering this game, the Golden Knights are coming off three wins by scores of 5-2, 6-2, and 6-2 again. The Lightning will conversely be a tough test for the Golden Knights. But this Vegas team looks dangerous for any opponent right now.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Lightning vs. Golden Knights?
The Golden Knights are too tough of a fade right now, even against teams like the Lightning. Vegas is a veteran team and has been great at home, with a 5-1-0 record and a +11 goal differential.
The Golden Knights rank third in the NHL in goals scored per game, sixth in goals allowed per game, and sixth in power-play efficiency. Excellent current form and home-ice advantage bode well for Vegas in this one too. This looks like a narrow 4-3 Golden Knights win.
Best bet: Over 5.5
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VEG