Lightning vs. Senators Prediction: NHL Betting Odds
-
Andrew Rogers
The Ottawa Senators beating the Tampa Bay Lightning might seem like the ultimate April Fool’s Day gift to underdog bettors – but oddsmakers just don’t see it happening as the 1992-93 expansion cousins face off Monday night at Canadian Tire Centre.
Lightning vs Senators Betting Analysis
With the Lightning listed at a profit-killing -280, you’ll need to put down some serious green to come out ahead if Tampa Bay prevails – but there’s little reason to think it won’t. The Lightning are an incredible 44-9 SU in their previous 53 games against Eastern Conference opponents, and has won six of their previous seven visits to Ottawa. The Senators, meanwhile, have won just five of their past 16 encounters with Atlantic Division foes.
The total for this one is set at 6.5, which sounds reasonable considering the Lightning’s prolific offence and the Senators’ mostly dismal goal prevention. Tampa Bay is on a five-game over streak and has exceeded the total in each of its previous five games away from Amalie Arena. Ottawa is 21-7-1 to the over in its past 29 games against teams above .600 on the season, and the clubs are a scorching 6-1 O/U in their last seven meetings.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay will aim to become just the third team in NHL history to win 60 or more games in the season – and it’ll do so without the services of its No. 1 defenceman. Victor Hedman is doubtful to return for the regular season as he recovers from an upper-body injury suffered in Saturday’s loss to the Washington Capitals. But fans are cautiously optimistic about his status after Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper suggested Hedman would be back for the playoffs.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators are closing out the season on a positive note with wins in three of their past four games heading into Monday’s home test. And they’ve excelled at both ends of the ice over the course of their run, scoring four or more goals in each victory while limiting opponents to a combined five tallies in those games. But Tampa Bay has proven to be a difficult foes, scoring four or more goals in each of the previous five meetings.
TB
OTT