The Tampa Bay Lightning (27-11-2) travel to meet the Nashville Predators (22-18-1) Saturday with an 8 p.m. ET puck drop at Bridgestone Arena. Below, we analyze the Lightning-Predators odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.
The Lightning picked up a 6-4 win at the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday to snap a mini two-game slide. They were outscored by the Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings by a 9-3 margin over the two-game skid. Tampa has dropped five of its eight outings since March 25, too.
The Predators have played themselves right back into the playoff race, including victories in each of their past three games while going 9-1 across their past 10. They also picked up a 4-1 win in Tampa March 15 as heavy underdogs to split a back-to-back set.
Lightning at Predators: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:55 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Lightning -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Predators +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
- Against the spread/ATS: Lightning -1.5 (+150) | Predators +1.5 (-185)
- Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Lightning at Predators: Projected starting goalies
Andrei Vasilevskiy (24-6-1, 2.06 GAA, .929 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Juuse Saros (13-7-0, 2.19 GAA, .930 SV%, 2 SO)
Vasilevskiy has cooled off a little bit, winning just three of his past six starts. For a lot of goalies that wouldn’t be a big deal, but Vasilevskiy rattled off 12 straight victories from Feb. 22-March 23, including a 6-3 Lightning win over the Predators March 13.
Saros has picked up wins in three straight games, and seven of his past eight outings. He allowed 2 or fewer goals in 14 of his last 15 outings; however, he was paddled for six goals on 30 shots in his only appearance against the Lightning Feb. 9.
Special NHL Betting Promotion!
Bet $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team scores a goal in the game. Betting offer available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. Place your legal, online bets at BetMGM. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Lightning at Predators: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Predators 3, Lightning 2
Money line (ML)
The PREDATORS (+155) are a solid value at home, as they’re playing great hockey lately, while the Lightning are stuck in neutral. Nashville has nine wins across its past 10 games, so it’s worth a look on home ice.
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Against the spread (ATS)
The PREDATORS +1.5 (-185) are not as good of a value as on the money line, but they’re still not a bad play if you’re looking for a little insurance and not feeling Nashville straight up. They have cashed on the puck line in six of their past 10 games, so give them a spin.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 5.5 (-115) is a good play, as Vasilevskiy and Saros are Under plays. The Under is 8-2-3 in the past 13 starts for Saros, and the Under is 2-2 in Vasilevskiy’s past four outings.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]