NHL Picks and Predictions – Page 86

Stanley Cup Final prop bet payday: 3 prop bet predictions for Game 4

Highlighting 3 prop bet predictions for Game 4 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Colorado Avalanche try to rebound against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final Wednesday at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Colorado leads the series 2-1. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+).

Below, we list the best value prop bets from Tipico Sportsbook‘s 2022 Stanley Cup Final Game 4 odds and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Tampa blew out the Avs 6-2 in Game 3, in a game the Avs led 1-0 midway through the 1st period. Colorado temporarily took a 1-0 lead on a challenged goal that was called back due to an offsides. The Avs broke through again on a power-play goal to go up 1-0. But Tampa didn’t panic and erupted for all 6 goals in the next 25 minutes of action. How will Colorado respond?

Also see: Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Stanley Cup Final prop bets for Game 4

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 1:02 p.m. ET.

Light(ning) Up the Night: Lightning to Score 4+ Goals & Win: Yes BOOSTED to (+235)

This is a special, BOOSTED opportunity to more than double up on what we foresee Tampa winning in the range of 4-2 or 4-3. While it’s not a slam dunk, man it has value. Colorado was vastly outplayed and put 2 on the board in Game 3. So Tampa will probably need to net 4 to win again.

I Have the Power!: Nathan MacKinnon to Record 1+ Power Play Points BOOSTED to (+160)

This didn’t hit in Game 1, but both of the Avalanche’s goals were on the power play. They converted 2 of 4 PPs and are absolutely lethal when it comes to the extra man. Go lightly here as the Lightning know they have to limit penalties.

[tipico]

Regulation time winner (incl. tie) and Total Goals: Lightning & Over 5.5 (+310)

As mentioned, you can count on the Avs to score at least 2 goals in the game, and Tampa will have to score 3 or 4 to win. This is a great chance to more than triple up if the Bolts can prevail again. Tampa does not want to go down 3-1 because then this series probably ends in Game 5 in Colorado. Look for the Lightning to storm out with a concerted effort to light the lamp again.

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Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Colorado Avalanche at Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 4 odds and lines, with expert picks and predictions.

The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning meet for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final Wednesday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., with the Avalanche leading the best-of-7 series 2-1. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we look at the Avalanche vs. Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 4 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

After dropping the first 2 games in Denver, the Lightning responded at home in Game 3 behind a 6-2 victory Monday.

The Avs started out well enough in Game 3 as LW Gabriel Landeskog opened the scoring with a power-play goal (PPG) in the opening period. But they were outscored 6-1 from that point forward as the Lightning has made a series of it.

The Lightning defended its home ice, and took advantage of the electric crowd at Amalie Arena. Tampa is now 11-4 in the past 15 games overall, and 41-15 in the previous 56 at home.

Avalanche at Lightning odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.

Money line: Avalanche -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Lightning -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche +1.5 (-290) | Lightning -1.5 (+200)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +122 | U: -155)

Avalanche at Lightning projected goalies

Darcy Kuemper (8-3-0, 2.76 GAA, .892 SV%, 1 SO – postseason) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (13-7-0, 2.57 GAA, .920 SV%, 1 SO – postseason)

Kuemper, who posted a shutout in Game 2 behind 16 saves, allowed 5 goals on just 22 shots before getting pulled in favor of Pavel Francouz midway through the second period of Game 3.

Vasilevskiy was back in business in Game 3, allowing just 2 Landeskog PPG on 39 shots. That was the most rubber Vasilevskiy has faced since making 49 saves in a 2-0 shutout win in Game 4 of the Florida series May 23.

[tipico]

Avalanche at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Avalanche 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (-110) are a strong play on home ice as the 2-time defending Stanley Cup champs look to even the series 2-2 and head back to Denver looking to seize home-ice advantage. But a lot has to happen before that is even a thought.

Tampa Bay looked good with 5 even-strength goals and a power-play marker in Game 3, chasing Kuemper in the process. If Vasilevskiy can retain his Game 3 form, watch out.

Against the spread

TAMPA BAY -1.5 (+200) is worth playing as a small-unit wager for the chance to double up. The Lightning covered the puck line in Game 3 as favorites and covered the puck line in Game 1 as underdogs.

I expect this game to be closer. However, for Tampa to win by 2 goals, we might have to sweat it out in the end, looking for the empty-net goal to inch us across the finish line.

Over/Under

The lean is to the UNDER 6.5 (-155).

With this kind of juice, as well as the fact the Over has cashed in each of the first 3 games, I would only play this total lightly, or not at all.

It could be worth waiting to see if the O/U line drops to 6 and then a small Over wager is the way to go.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Stanley Cup Final prop bet payday: 3 prop bet predictions for Game 3

Highlighting 3 prop bet predictions for Game 3 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Tampa Bay Lightning try to regroup at home against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final Monday at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Colorado leads the series 2-0 after Saturday’s 7-0 dismemberment. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+).

Below, we list the best value prop bets from Tipico Sportsbook‘s 2022 Stanley Cup Final Game 3 odds and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Colorado stormed out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st period of Game 1, but Tampa made a late push to tie it at 3 and send it to overtime. Tampa still hasn’t arrived for the opening faceoff in OT because they’ve been destroyed 8-0 since.

Stanley Cup Final prop bets for Game 3

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 11:39 a.m. ET.

Alternate Total Goals: Under 6.5 (-165)

Tampa has been a different team at home, and they are very stingy on the score sheet. At the same time, they haven’t played anyone as good as Colorado. They will have to keep the Avs to 3 goals or fewer, maybe 2, in order to prevail in this one. I could see a 3-2 finish, but this one gives wiggle room for a 4-2 final. It’s chalky, but this is the only way Tampa makes it a series.

Lightning Total Goals (Regulation Time): Over 2.5 (-135)

This one will be close because I could totally see Tampa needing overtime to get the win. The Lightning can get past G Darcy Kuemper. They nailed 3 goals in the first 2 periods of Game 1. Back on home ice and away from the altitude in Denver, the 2-time defending champs find their game.

[tipico]

Avalanche Total Goals (Regulation Time): Under 2.5 (+115)

Keeping in the Tampa wins 3-2, 4-2 theme, this one has the best value. Lightning G Andrei Vasilevskiy is the most competitive guy in the building. Even the announcers thought he would be pulled following a 5-0 deficit in Game 2 after 2 periods. He didn’t leave. After that shellacking, he’s going to have a game to remember.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Colorado Avalance at Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 3 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning meet for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final Monday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The Avalanche lead the series 2-0. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we look at the Avalanche vs. Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 3 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Avalanche streak into Game 3 with a pair of victories in Denver in the first 2 games. Colorado nipped Tampa Bay 4-3 in overtime in Wednesday’s series opener before routing the Lightning in Game 2 Saturday by a 7-0 count.

The Lightning have now dropped 2 of their last 3 playoff games following a loss after rebounding successfully in 18 consecutive postseason setbacks prior to Game 2 against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Avalanche at Lightning odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:47 a.m. ET.

Money line: Avalanche -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Lightning -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+200) | Lightning +1.5 (-290)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

Avalanche at Lightning projected goalies

Darcy Kuemper (8-2-0, 2.44 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO – postseason) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (12-7-0, 2.60 GAA, .918 SV%, 1 SO – postseason)

Kuemper picked a tremendous time for his best performance of the postseason. The Canadian goaltender turned aside each of the 16 shots he faced in Game 2 for his 1st shutout of the playoffs and the 2nd postseason shutout of his career.

Vasilevskiy was buried for 7 goals on 30 shots in Game 2, and he has yielded 11 total goals on just 68 shots in this series. He has also allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of his last 8 outings.

[tipico]

Avalanche at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 3, Avalanche 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (-108) are short dogs on home ice, and that likely is for two reasons. One, the Avalanche manhandled them in Game 2, and two, Colorado has won all 7 of its postseason games on the road. All good things come to an end, however. Vasilevskiy will be vastly improved in Game 3 after getting blitzed for 7 markers Saturday, and he will be the reason Tampa makes this a series.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-290) will cost nearly three times your potential return, and there is just no value there. If you like Tampa on home ice, just play it straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

The Over has cashed in the first two games of this series, but UNDER 5.5 (-130) is the way to go in Game 3.

Tampa Bay should be better defensively on home ice, feeding off its crowd for a much-needed boost. Look for Vasilevskiy to get back to his world-class self in this one, which will be the lowest-scoring game of the series.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Stanley Cup Final prop bet payday: 3 prop bet predictions for Game 2

Highlighting 3 prop bet predictions for Game 2 of the 2022 Stanly Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche.

The Tampa Bay Lightning try to even the series against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final Saturday at Ball Arena in Denver. Colorado leads the series 1-0. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+).

Below, we list the best value prop bets from Tipico Sportsbook‘s 2022 Stanley Cup Final Game 2 odds and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Colorado stormed out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st period of Game 1, but Tampa made a late push to tie it at 3 and send it to overtime. However, the Avalanche were too much. This series will be a back-and-forth battle.

Also see: Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Stanley Cup Final prop bets for Game 2

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 8:57 a.m. ET.

1st Period 1st Goal: Lightning (+140)

Colorado’s speed shellshocked Tampa Bay in Game 1 as the visitors had trouble adjusting to the thin Mile High air. A lesser team would have folded, but the 2-time defending champs turned up the heat and matched them. Look for the Lightning to force the tempo early and light the lamp first Saturday.

Regulation Time Winner (incl. Tie) & Total Goals: Avalanche & Over 5.5 (+230)

We took this in Game 1 and it almost cashed, but Colorado needed a couple of minutes in OT to get it done. Tampa could steal this game, but Colorado has the biggest home-ice advantage in hockey in terms of conditioning coming into question. If you’re not used to the altitude your lungs are burning after your first shift. It’s enough to deal with a super-talented Avs team without the physical toll. I see this as a 4-2 game, and this wager looks good at more than double your money.

[tipico]

Regulation Time Winner (incl. Tie): Avalanche (+102)

Colorado will be ready to counterpunch. The Avalanche might have gotten a little complacent in Game 1 with an early 2-0 lead. I look for Tampa to score early before Colorado hits its stride and forces Tampa to make mistakes. Colorado has a lethal power play, and that’s when it’ll bite down harder. I don’t see overtime needed in this one.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 2 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche meet for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final Saturday at Ball Arena in Denver. The Avalanche lead the series 1-0. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 2 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Avalanche took Wednesday’s opener 4-3 at home thanks to LW Andre Burakovsky’s overtime goal.

The Lightning fell into a 3-1 hole after 20 minutes but bounced back with two goals from Ondrej Palat and Mikhail Sergachev within a 48-second span in the 2nd period. However, G Andrei Vasilevskiy was beaten by Burakovsky at 1:23 of OT to suffer the setback.

The Avalanche, who scored 3 goals in the first 17:31, look to protect home ice and go up 2-0 in the series. They are 10-1 in the past 11 games when playing on two days of rest.

Lightning at Avalanche odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:59 a.m. ET.

Money line: Lightning +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Avalanche -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-210) | Avalanche -1.5 (+160)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Lightning at Avalanche projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (12-6-0, 2.36 GAA, .926 SV%, 1 SO – postseason) vs. Darcy Kuemper (7-2-0, 2.68 GAA, .895 SV% – postseason)

Vasilevskiy got off to a difficult start in Game 1, yielding 3 goals in the 1st period. He was perfect for the remainder of regulation but allowed the Burakovsky goal early in OT to take the L. He and the Lightning are 1-3 in series openers in these playoffs.

Kuemper, who sat out the last 3 games of the Western Conference Finals, made his way back from an upper-body injury, and he didn’t look like he skipped a beat. Sure, he allowed 3 goals on 23 shots, but he really only had about a minute of shaky play. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 10 of his 11 postseason appearances.

[tipico]

Lightning at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Avalanche 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+125) are short dogs on the road in Game 2, but we all know that Vasilevskiy and the 2-time defending champs bounce back nicely after a playoff loss. In fact, Tampa Bay is 19-1 in the past 20 playoff games following an defeat. That lone loss was in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Rangers.

The Avalanche barely squeaked by in Game 1, but they got the job done. now that Vasilevskiy has his bearings after a difficult 1st period, look for him to be the difference maker in Game 2.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-210) will cost 2.1 times your potential return. That’s too much risk for not enough reward if you want some insurance. Just play Tampa Bay straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

The UNDER 6.5 (-135) is the play.

Vasilevskiy has a sub-2.00 GAA in the past 20 playoff games following a loss, and Kuemper has yielded 3 or fewer goals in 10 of his 11 postseason appearances. Expect to see more defense in this second game in Denver.

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Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Stanley Cup Final prop bet payday: 4 prop bet predictions for Game 1

Highlighting 4 prop bet predictions for Game 1 of the 2022 Stanly Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche.

The Tampa Bay Lightning throw down against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+).

Below, we list the best value prop bets from Tipico Sportsbook‘s 2022 Stanley Cup Final Game 1 odds and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning are flirting with history trying to become the first team to threepeat since the New York Islanders won from 1980-84. Colorado, the heavy favorite, has an infusion of young talent that appears ready to hoist the Cup and start a dynasty of its own.

Stanley Cup Final prop bets for Game 1

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 12:13 p.m. ET.

Starting off Game 1 HOT: Nathan MacKinnon & Steven Stamkos to both score BOOSTED (+500)

Stamkos scored 5 goals in the Eastern Conference Finals and netted a goal in 4 of 6 games. The Lightning scored 31 goals in the series, and Stamkos accounted for 31% of them. He also scored 1 goal in 2 games against Colorado in the regular season. There’s a lot to like on his side of this wager. MacKinnon had a tough series against the St. Louis Blues as he scored in 1 of 6 games, but he scored in 7 of the 8 games in the other two series. He had 1 goal and 2 assists against Tampa in the 3rd game of the regular season. This is a solid bet where $10 can return $50.

Conn Smyth Trophy Winner – Nathan MacKinnon (+210)

Avs D Cale Makar (+180) is the favorite, and he has 4 more points than MacKinnon in the playoffs. However, MacKinnon has had more impactful moments. That goal he scored, coast to coast, to tie the game against the St. Louis Blues in Game 5 would have been iconic if they hadn’t lost that game. MacKinnon has the ability to put the team on his back, whereas Makar is a super-gifted player that just pitches in more often than most. If the Avs win, it’s because of the playmaking and game-breaking ability of MacKinnon.

[tipico]

Colorado Wins Series 4-2 (+425)

Barring injury, Tampa doesn’t have enough offensively to beat the Avs, and they’ll expend so much energy defensively trying to contain them it will prove too much. That said, Tampa has lost only once on home ice in the playoffs. They will lose another, maybe in Game 6 to decide it. If you want to hedge and put a wager on Colorado Wins Series 4-1 (+380) for some leeway, you’ll still be ahead if either of them cash.

Avalanche (in regulation) & Over 5.5 (+230)

Our Kevin Erickson pegged this a 4-3 Avs win, and that seems pretty reasonable. Colorado is the highest-scoring offense in the playoffs at nearly 5 goals per game, but it has had a lengthy layoff as well and will face its biggest task in Lightning G Andrei Vasilevskiy. We should see 6 goals and an Avs win in Game 1.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche meet for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning slipped into an 0-2 series hole against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the two-time defending champs rattled off 4 consecutive victories to earn the chance to play for a third straight Stanley Cup.

The Avalanche are looking for their third championship in franchise history and first since hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup in 2001. Colorado made quick work of the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Finals, picking up its second sweep of the postseason. The Avs are 12-2 through 14 games in the playoffs.

Lightning at Avalanche odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:52 a.m. ET.

Money line: Lightning +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Avalanche -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-200) | Avalanche -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Lightning at Avalanche projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (12-5-0, 2.27 GAA, .928 SV%, 1 SO – postseason) vs. Darcy Kuemper (6-2-0, 2.65 GAA, .897 SV% – postseason)

Vasilevskiy has posted 4 straight wins after losing the first 2 games in New York last round. He yielded 6 goals in Game 1 after a lengthy layoff, a very uncharacteristic game. He allowed just 5 total goals in the final 4 games of the series.

Kuemper suffered an eye injury in the Nashville series and was forced out of the Edmonton series, too. The Avs have declined to name a starting goaltender, but have stated Kuemper is 100 percent healthy now after more than a week off since the last series. Look for Kuemper to start, but for G Pavel Francouz to be at the ready in case he struggles.

[tipico]

Lightning at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Lightning 3

Money line

The AVALANCHE (-150) are rather moderate favorites, and that’s because they’ve had plenty of rest and are back to mostly full health. C Nazem Kadri and C Andrew Cogliano are question marks due to upper-body ailments, but both could also play here.

The Lightning aren’t short on Stanley Cup experience, that’s for sure, and C Brayden Point (lower body) could be close to returning to bolster the unit. But, Colorado gets them at home in Game 1.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-200) would cost two times your potential return, and that’s just too much if you want some insurance. If you like the champs, just play them straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (+105) is rather tempting at plus-money despite the fact the Lightning have been 8-1 to the Under in their last 9 contests. However, if you’re going to get Vasilevskiy, it’s in a Game 1. He has 12 total goals in 3 series openers this postseason.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers try to stave off elimination against the Tampa Bay Lightning Saturday in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Finals playoff series. Tampa leads the series 3-2. Puck drop from Amalie Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Lightning Game 6 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Tampa really turned the tides of this series the last 2 games. They pulled off a 4-1 victory at home in Game 4 Tuesday and took the Rangers’ hearts with a 3-1 road victory Thursday. Tampa trailed 1-0 before tying it with under 3 minutes to go in the 2nd period. RW Ondrej Palat scored on a deflection with 1:50 to go in the game to take the lead, and the Lightning put in an empty-net goal to seal it less than a minute later.

That was the Rangers’ first home loss since Game 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opening round. Tampa lost its first home game in the playoffs too and has not lost on home ice since. Rangers C Mika Zibanejad doesn’t have a point in the last 2 games after snapping an 8-game point streak. That has to change if the Rangers want to force a Game 7.

Rangers at Lightning odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Lightning -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-170) | Lightning -1.5 (+133)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +120 | U: -150)

Rangers at Lightning projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (10-8, 2.62 GAA, .929 SV% – playoffs) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (11-5, 2.35 GAA, .927 SV%, 1 SO – playoffs)

Those chants of “Igor’s better” didn’t ring true in Game 5, but he was pretty good as he stopped 24 of 26 shots. He hasn’t allowed more than 3 goals in 15 straight postseason games, but he can’t score on the other end too.

Vassy has saved 86 of 90 shots his way in the last 3 games. He has been a little better than Shesterkin, and now his team is skating with supreme confidence. Vasilevskiy is 6-1 with a 1.79 GAA and .946 SV% at home in these playoffs.

[tipico]

Rangers at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 3, Rangers 1

Money line

The books think this one is over with the -190 tag on Tampa. I really feel like the Rangers are stunned from the late heroics, and they’re staggering for the knockout blow. If this gets to overtime, all bets are off, though. Take LIGHTNING IN REGULATION (INCL. TIE) (-116).

Against the spread

Tampa has outscored the Rangers 7-2 in the last two meetings and have won 4 of 6 home wins by 2 or more goals. This is a game of momentum, and Tampa closes it out. I’d need more value than this to risk more than a half-unit, but take LIGHTNING -1.5 (+133).

Over/Under

There are all sorts of Under trends here, and these teams could just empty the tank so go lightly either way here. The Under has cashed in 4 in a row in this series. The Under is 4-0 in the last 4 Lightning were favored and favored at home. It has also cashed in the last 4 the Rangers were underdogs.

LEAN UNDER 5.5 (-150) or wait until the puck drops and place a live bet. LW Pat Maroon scored 2:38 into Game 4 in Tampa, though, so don’t get too greedy on the return you want.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Rangers Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Rangers Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers meet for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals Thursday at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. The series is tied 2-2. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Rangers Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning started out in a 2-0 series hole, falling 6-2 in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, and then narrowly by a 3-2 count in Game 2. Tampa Bay won both games on home ice to square the series, outscoring New York by a 7-3 count.

The Rangers have registered 8 consecutive victories on home ice dating back to Game 1 of the Pittsburgh series, their very first game of the postseason. New York lost a triple-overtime thriller in that one, or it would be perfect in front of the home faithful this postseason.

Lightning at Rangers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Lightning -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Rangers +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread (ATS): Lightning -1.5 (+185) | Rangers +1.5 (-260)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)

Lightning at Rangers projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (10-5-0, 2.44 GAA, .925 SV%, 1 SO – postseason) vs. Igor Shesterkin (10-7-0, 2.65 GAA, .929 SV% – postseason)

Vasilevskiy wasn’t himself in the first game of this series, and in Game 2, for the most part. However, in 2 wins on home ice against the Rangers, the Tampa star allowed just 3 goals on 65 shots.

Shesterkin suffered a pair of losses in Games 3 and 4 in Tampa, but he has allowed 3 or fewer goals in each of his past 14 playoff starts since getting pulled early in Game 4 of the Pittsburgh series.

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Lightning at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Lightning 1

Money line

The RANGERS (+105) are short ‘dogs at home despite the fact they have won 8 consecutive games at home, and are a triple-overtime loss away from being a perfect 9-for-9 at MSG during this postseason. Until the Lightning (-130) prove they can win in New York, keep backing the home side.

Against the spread

The Rangers +1.5 (-260) are too expensive for my liking if you find the need for insurance. If you like New York, just play it straight up. Risking over 2 times your potential return is just silly.

PASS.

Over/Under

The UNDER 5.5 (-140) is the play, as it has been the past 3 games. While it’s a moderate amount of chalk to eat, each of the past 3 games have seen exactly 5 total goals.

Under bettors have had to sweat it out each night, so play this one lightly. It easily could’ve flipped to an Over with a late empty-net goal or just 1 more score of any variety in any of the previous 3 outings.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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