Tag: Lightning

Golfer in Pennsylvania dies after being struck by lightning

A 71-year-old golfer was playing Pine Hills Golf Course in Pennsylvania when he was struck by lightning.

A Pennsylvania golfer died after being struck by lightning Friday at Pine Hills Golf Course in Taylor, just south of Scranton.

According to a report by Pennsylvania TV station WNEP, the Lackawanna coroner made the ruling Sunday that Joseph Slivinski, 71, was killed by the strike. Storms were moving through the area, and the lightning strike occurred around 1:30 p.m.

WNEP reports Slivinski and his playing partners split up when the storm arrived, and Slivinski was seeking shelter. He died at the golf course.

John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Lightning Safety Council, said there have been 12 golf-related lightning fatalities in the U.S. since 2006. Slivinski’s death was the third this year.

One in a million? Teen’s golf ball struck by lightning at Topgolf venue in Texas

Tomas Gomez launched a golf ball that, while in mid-flight, got struck by a bolt of lightning at a Topgolf in San Antonio.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all.

On Friday at a Topgolf venue in San Antonio, 18-year-old Tomas Gomez was hitting golf balls with his brother, sister and some friends while a storm was building in the area.

While hitting balls from a ground-level bay, Gomez launched a ball that, while in mid-flight, got struck by a bolt of lightning.

That really happened. You can see the video here.

Gomez’s friend Arlette Ibarra was shooting video on her phone and captured the one-in-a-million moment.

“I was just glad that it [lightning] hit the ball instead of me,” Gomez told Dailymail.com.

A visibly stunned Gomez falls back a bit before catching his balance. The Daily Mail reports that Topgolf didn’t clear the facility but did ask that everyone go inside.

Unfazed, Gomez said: “I will definitely be back as soon as I can.”

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Lightning strike kills golfer on New Jersey course

The man is believed to have been sheltering under a tree as isolated storms passed nearby, and Weather.gov offers safety tips in lightning.

A 70-year-old golfer in Westampton, New Jersey, died after he was struck by lightning Wednesday afternoon at the private Burlington Country Club.

Michael Ward of Florence was found dead alongside the seventh hole under a tree that was struck by lightning, according to a WABC-TV report. Isolated storms had been reported in the area, and detectives believe Ward may have been sheltering under the tree.

It was believed that Ward was the first lightning casualty in the U.S. this year.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s site Weather.gov offers the following lightning safety tips, which could be valuable information for golfers:

  • No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!
  • If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
  • When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
  • Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

And for last-resort outdoor risk reduction:

  • Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks.
  • Never lie flat on the ground.
  • Never shelter under an isolated tree.
  • Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
  • Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
  • Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Tampa Bay Lightning (43-20-5) tangle with the Detroit Red Wings (16-48-5) Sunday at Little Caesars Arena at 5 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Curtis McElhinney vs. Jonathan Bernier

McElhinney is expected to get the starting nod after the Lightning just played in Boston Saturday night with Andrei Vasilevskiy getting the call in that one. The Lightning backup has posted an 8-7-2 record, 2.83 goals against average and .908 save percentage with a shutout, so he is more than capable, especially against the lowly Wings.

Bernier gives the Wings their best chance to win, as he is 14-21-3 with a respectable 2.88 GAA and .909 SV% in his 39 starts and 44 appearances. At home he is a solid 10-10-1 with a 2.75 GAA and .906 SV% in his 21 starts and 24 appearances. It’s unlikely the team turns to Jimmy Howard for this tough matchup. He is a dismal 2-23-2 with a 4.20 GAA and .882 save percentage.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lightning at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Lightning (-278) should be able to dominate this game, but they are playing less than 24 hours after a hard-fought and important game in Boston, and then they had to hop right on a plane for Hockeytown. Still, the Red Wings (+225) have next to no chance. But still, AVOID.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning -278 returns a profit of $3.60 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Red Wings +225 results in a profit of $22.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, even) is the much better play, with or without tired legs. They have so many offensive weapons that it’s hard to envision the cellar-dwelling Red Wings (+1.5, -121) slowing them down. Tampa Bay is 41-11 in the past 52 games against teams with a losing record, too, so they rarely let up or play down to their competition.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is the play here, but because it’s Lightning against Red Wings. If Tampa were playing virtually anyone else, the lean would be Under. The Under is 7-1 in their past eight in the second end of a back-to-back. But the Over is also 7-2 in their past nine as a favorite.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (32-23-8) head down to the Suncoast of Florida to battle the Tampa Bay Lightning (40-17-5) Tuesday at the Amalie Arena at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Lightning sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Andersen heads into this one with a 25-13-6 record, 2.98 goals against average and .906 save percentage with two shutouts. He is coming off an ultra-embarrassing loss Saturday night to the Carolina Hurricanes, who had to use an emergency goalie. Yes, Andersen was bested by a 42-year-old Zamboni driver, David Ayres, who just happens to serve as a practice goalie for the Leafs on occasion.

The defending Vezina Trophy champ Vasilevskiy has posted a 32-11-3 record, 2.58 GAA and .916 SV% with two shutouts. He allowed three goals on 28 shots in a 7-3 win at Toronto back on Oct. 10 in his first meeting with the Leafs. The Lightning went out and added D Zach Bogosian to help out in front of the goalie, too, while also adding some grit in the form of F Barclay Goodrow.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Maple Leafs at Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 5, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Lightning (-189) are a little too rich for my blood, as this is just above the threshold of what I like to risk. The Maple Leafs (+155) are a tempting play, as you have to figure they’ll be a bit angry after their embarrassing loss, right? Well, they don’t seem to be playing with a lot of urgency lately, so look to the home side on the puck line. AVOID a ML play.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning to win returns a profit of $5.29, while a $10 wager on the Maple Leafs results in a profit of $15.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +135) is a nice value given the state of the Maple Leafs (+1.5, -162) right now. Toronto has dropped four of five against winning teams, while Tampa is a whopping 13-3 in its past 16 against winning sides. The ‘Ning have also dominated their Atlantic Division rivals from Hogtown, going 6-1 in the past seven meetings overall and 8-3 in the past 11 at Amalie.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit wager. Andersen has been a sieve lately, and he is likely to struggle against Tampa Bay’s high-octane offense. The Over has connected in seven of the past nine roadies for Toronto, while going 5-2 in their past seven against winning teams. The Over is 4-0 in Tampa’s past four, too, and 16-6-3 in the past 25 in their barn.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (29-15-4) and Dallas Stars (27-17-4) will lock horns at American Airlines Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Ben Bishop

The All-Star Vasilevskiy entered the All-Star break on a roll, winning his previous 10 starts. Overall, he is 24-9-2 with a 2.54 goals against average and .917 save percentage, as he has regained his Vezina Trophy winning form after a sluggish start to the season. He allowed four goals on just 20 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss in the first meeting with the Stars at Amalie Arena back on Dec. 19. After working in the All-Star Skills Competition and round-robin tournament, it wouldn’t be shocking to see backup Curtis McElhinney make the start. He is 5-6-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .902 SV% in 13 appearances.

Bishop is 16-10-3 with a 2.28 GAA and .927 SV% in 31 starts and 32 appearances overall. The former Lightning backstop hasn’t faced his old organization this season. He is 0-1-1 with a 5.39 GAA and .792 SV% in two appearances vs. the Stars since leaving for Dallas to start the 2017-18 season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lightning at Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-139) are moderate road favorites out of the break, with the Stars (+115) short ‘dogs at home. That’s likely because the Lightning have been on a roll lately, going 5-0 in the past five against winning teams, 4-1 in the past five against Western Conference foes and 5-1 in the past six meetings against Dallas. The Lightning are also 5-2 in their past seven trips to the Metroplex.

A $10 bet on the Lightning to win returns a profit of $7.20, while a $10 wager on the Stars results in a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +195) represent a pretty solid value, as you can double up with a two-goal win. However, keep in mind that the Stars (+1.5, -239) are the No. 1 defensive team in the NHL, allowing just 2.5 goals per game. They’re also ninth on the penalty kill at 82.4 percent, so tread lightly.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (5.5) is risky business, as there is some uncertainty with Tampa Bay’s starting netminder, so be careful. If McElhinney gets the nod, it’s a different ball game. If Vasilevskiy is in between the pipes, this will be a low-scoring battle. The Under is 4-1 in Tampa’s past five road games, and 8-3 in the past 11 as a road favorite. The Under is 33-14-2 in the past 51 at home for Dallas, and a perfect 4-0 in their past four against teams with a winning percentage over .600.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (20-13-4) and Buffalo Sabres (17-16-7) battle at KeyBank Center at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Lightning-Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Lightning at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Linus Ullmark

Vasilevskiy, the defending Vezina Trophy winner, puts his 16-9-2 record, 2.85 goals against average and .908 save percentage on the line against the Sabres. He won his first meeting with Buffalo in Stockholm Nov. 8, stopping 20 of 22 shots in a win. Vasilevskiy also topped the Sabres at home Nov. 25, making 28 saves on 30 shots.

Ullmark is on a personal three-game losing streak which has dropped his season record to 11-10-3. He has a 2.80 GAA and .913 SV%.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lightning at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 5, Sabres 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-176) are heavy favorites to finish the four-game season sweep against the Sabres (+145). This is almost about as sure of a thing as it gets, yet the price isn’t terrible.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

LIGHTNING (-1.5, +155) are a tremendous value, as four of the Sabres’ (+1.5, -189) last five losses were decided by at least 2 goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is a nice value here, and the Lightning have the potential to take care of the Over almost all by themselves.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tamp Bay Lightning (17-12-4) visit the Washington Capitals (25-6-5) Saturday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Lightning-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Lightning lost at home to the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime Thursday after blowing a two-goal, early second-period lead.

The Capitals, led by Nicklas Backstrom’s two goals and two assists, won at the New Jersey Devils 6-3 Friday.

Lightning at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Braden Holtby

Vasilevskiy is 14-9-2 with a 2.88 goals against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage. The 2019 Vezina Trophy winner is 0-1-1 against the Capitals this season, allowing 8 goals – 4 in each game – on a total of 68 shots. He is 5-2-1 in December and 6-4-1 on the road.

Holtby is 16-4-4 with a 2.82 GAA and a .909 SV%. The 2016 Vezina winner beat the Lightning 4-3 in OT at home Nov. 29, stopping 27 of 30 shots. He is 3-2 in December and 7-1-3 at home.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lighting at Capitals: Key injuries

Lightning

  • D Braydon Coburn (lower body) out

Lightning at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Lightning 4

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS -115 are the STRONGEST PLAY as they’re looking to complete a three-game season sweep of the Lightning (-106). The Capitals, who own the best record in the NHL, are 9-2 in their last 11 games and are 9-3-4 at home. The Lightning, 5-13 in their last 18 at the Capitals, are 5-5 in their last 10 overall and 8-5-2 on the road. Washington would be a bigger favorite had it not played Friday night in New Jersey.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on a Washington win would profit a $1 if it prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

PASS. While the Caps (-1.5, +225) have been dominant, they’re only 20-16 against the PL and an awful 5-11 vs. the PL at home. The Bolts (+1.5, -286) are 12-21 overall vs. the PL and 6-9 vs. the PL on the road. Such trends make this easy to avoid.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 6.5 (+115). Washington leads the league with 3.56 goals per game, while Tampa Bay is third at 3.52. Both head-to-head battles this season finished Over with the Caps claiming the 4-3 OT game in November and the 5-2 victory a week ago. Plus, the Capitals are 23-13 O/U overall and 12-4 O/U at home, while the Lightning are 20-12 O/U overall, but just 7-8 O/U on the road.

Every $1 bet on the Over profits $1.15 if there are 7 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 12-3-1. Strongest plays: 6-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay matchup on Monday night with odds, bets, and predictions.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (14-10-3) entertain the New York Islanders (19-7-2) at Amalie Arena on Monday, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Lightning odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Islanders at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Curtis McElhinney

Varlamov has a 9-3-2 record for New York with a 2.35 goals against average and .923 save percentage. He stopped 31 of 33 shots in a home, overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night. He was supposed to start on Saturday but was instead bumped to Monday.

McElhinney has a 3-2-2 record with a 3.42 GAA and .908 SV% in seven games played this season. The confirmed Tampa Bay starter last played Nov. 30, taking a home loss against Carolina when he gave up three goals on 24 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Islanders at Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Lightning 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+150) and Lightning (-182) are both rested headed into this matchup. New York is 3-2 in its last five games, Tampa Bay 2-2-1. Expect this game to be close. New York allows just 2.62 goals on the road and is a solid 7-5-1 on the road. BACK NEW YORK slightly.

A $10 bet with New York results in a $15.00 profit with an outright win for the Islanders.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lightning are 11-16 ATS, while New York is 14-14 ATS. This is one to AVOID, as the Islanders’ number at +1.5 (-176) does not have the value of the moneyline. Taking this wager on a $10 bet would result in just a $5.68 profit.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-154) is a reasonably good play. Even though McElhinney is in net for Tampa Bay, the Islanders have struggled to score goals of late. They have also been quite stingy at allowing them, as well. Over its last five games, New York has scored 12 goals and yielded 10. The under has also connected in the Islanders’ last two contests. 

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $6.49 profit with a total of six or fewer goals scored.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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