Tag: NHL Betting

A dominant Avalanche Stanley Cup run spurred three-fold increase in Colorado public betting

The Colorado Division of Gaming reported nearly $100 million in wagers.

One benefit of legal sports betting is the boost it can provide to a local economy, and a great example of that is the money that rolled into Colorado as the Avalanche skated their way to the Stanley Cup.

The Colorado Division of Gaming reported nearly $97 million in wagers on the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year, according to a report by KKTV 11 News in Colorado Springs, more than tripling the amount of hockey bets it received in the same period in 2021.

Colorado bettors wagered about $30 million on the Stanley Cup Final alone, eclipsing the $26 million wagered in all of May and June 2021 combined. The public apparently wasn’t fazed by the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

“When you look at where the standard was and then you look at where they are this year, going almost three times as much, you really can tell that Colorado really got excited about the Avalanche going for the Cup and being in the finals,” Division of Gaming director Dan Hartman said

Sports betting was legalized in Colorado in 2019, with the first licensed operators hitting the market in May 2020.

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WATCH: Stanley Cup Final – Montreal Canadiens At Tampa Bay Lightning, Game 2

Analyzing the Canadiens at Lightning Game 2 Stanley Cup Final matchup.

The Montreal Canadiens have defied the odds throughout the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs by winning three consecutive series as the underdog. In two of their previous series, they lost Game 1 but responded by taking Game 2.

They’re in the same situation after dropping Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1. Game 2 is Wednesday night, and this time the trends aren’t all that favorable for Montreal.

Consider:
– The Canadiens have a seven-game losing streak in the Lightning’s rink (Amalie Arena).
– The Lightning have won Game 2 in six consecutive playoff series, which is among the reasons why Tampa Bay is the reigning Stanley Cup champion.
– The Canadiens are 9-3 in their past 12 games as underdogs, but one of those three losses was Monday in Game 1.

These factors help add up to the money line, via BetMGM, being Canadiens +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Lightning -225 (bet $225 to win $100).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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.

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Betting 101: How to bet on the NHL for beginners

Looking at the various sports betting options centered around the NHL, with betting advice, tips and definitions of key terms.

Hockey is one of the most unpredictable of the major professional sports, and as such, betting on the NHL can add excitement to a game or a season. Below, we take a look at definitions of key sports betting terms and how odds work in the many ways to get a piece of NHL betting action.

NHL betting: Ways to bet

Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list of today’s sports betting odds and lines.

  • Single-game betting: Individual games are broken down into a moneyline, against the spread or Over/Under, where bettors back one of two sides of a line.
  • Live betting: Get action while the game is underway with lines adjusting almost constantly based on which team is winning or dominating play. In-game injuries, particularly to a starting goaltender, can also drastically affect the lines and odds.
  • Alternate lines: When looking to bet on a game, it’s always wise to look at all of the available options on the alternate lines. These can offer either a greater profit margin or a higher probability of winning the bet.
  • Futures betting: Place bets in the offseason or at any point within a season by backing a team to win the Stanley Cup or their division or conference, or to win a certain amount of games. Player awards such as the Hart Trophy (MVP) or Vezina Trophy (top goaltender) are also available as futures. Odds are generally at their highest at the beginning of a season, and they’ll be adjusted throughout the year based on team or player performance.
  • Prop bets: Get single-game action on players by betting stars to score or not, or to record a certain number of a specified stat such as shots, hits or saves.

NHL betting: Key betting terms to know

  • Favorite: Generally the home team or the team with the better season record. Starting goalies and current injuries also weigh-in.
  • Underdog: Conversely, underdogs or dogs, will generally be the visitor or the team with the worse record.
  • Moneyline: The most common bet type, simply pick one side or the other to win the game. Moneylines typically look for a team to win the game at any point, but alternate lines are available to specify one side winning in regulation vs. in overtime or a shootout.
  • Spread/puck line: Get better value on favorites by backing them to win by two or more goals on a line of -1.5, or get some insurance on the underdogs by betting them to cover a line of +1.5 and either lose by one goal or win the game straight up.
  • Total or Over/Under: A line set for how many combined goals will be scored in the game by the two teams. Can be limited to regulation time or include a winning goal from overtime and a potential shootout.
  • Push: In some rare cases, totals or puck lines are set at an even number. The bet will be refunded if exactly that amount of goals are scored or if the line is covered by the exact number of goals.
  • Chalk: Referring to odds on heavy favorites. The odds are generally so low as to not be worth betting as the profit margin is too small to warrant the small risk.
  • Parlay: Combining two or more bet types from the same game or across multiple game offerings. It increases the total odds, but they’re extremely risky as all plays need to be correct for a bet to win. The more bets included, the higher the payout, but the higher the risk.
  • Teaser: Buy or sell some goals on a puck line or a total bet in order to get better odds or increase your chance of winning with lower odds.

NHL betting: How do odds work?

Hockey odds on the moneyline generally range from -250 to +250, but can extend in either direction in lopsided matchups. The -250 would represent a fairly heavy favorite and borders on a chalky play. A $10 bet would return a profit of just $4. A $10 bet at +250 on an underdog fetches a plus-money profit of $25 if they pull off the upset.

Even-money refers to odds of +100, where a $10 bet fetches a profit of $10. These lines are more frequently seen on puck lines or totals. The lower the odds, the more likely the result and the smaller the profit margin. Futures odds are typically at their most profitable before a season starts, but the odds can rise for a preseason favorite if it gets off to a slow start. It’s good to note preseason odds and track them as the season goes on.

All bets are paid out shortly after a game finishes, with those funds being allowed to be placed on new bets or be withdrawn from the sportsbook.

Get some sports betting action by placing a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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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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San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesdays Sharks at Blackhawks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The San Jose Sharks (29-35-5) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (31-30-8) in a Wednesday-night (8 p.m. ET) contest at the United Center. We analyze the San Jose-Chicago odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sharks at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Martin Jones vs. Corey Crawford

Jones owns a 3.00 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage through 41 games. The 30-year-old veteran has been solid of late, posting a 2.25 GAA and .918 SV% in nine games since the All-Star break. Jones last appeared in a game on Sunday, allowing the Avalanche four goals on 24 shots in a 4-3 loss in San Jose. He is making his first road start since Feb. 23.

Crawford has recorded a 2.79 GAA and .916 SV% in 39 games this season. Injured the last two seasons, his 40th game tonight will mark his most since 2016-17 (55). Crawford has been sharp since becoming the Blackhawks’ definitive No. 1 netminder after the trade of Robin Lehner to Vegas. He’s carded a .927 SV% over his last 10 games. Crawford has been particularly sharp at home over that stretch (.939 SV% in four games).

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

Sharks at Blackhawks: 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 Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Chicago 3, San Jose 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Blackhawks’ offense disappeared over the team’s last two games (one goal combined) but was solid in a four-game stretch before that (17 goals plus a shootout winner). Some of that drop-off likely comes from fewer power-play opportunities in recent games after getting things going in that department in late February. Enter the Sharks, the fourth-most penalized team in the NHL, and that bodes well for the ‘Hawks leveraging the man advantage.

San Jose has posted better puck-possession and shot-type signals of late, but the Blackhawks are a couple clicks south of their Pythagorean expectation (won-loss record based on goals for and against). Both teams are playing with two days’ rest: Chicago is 9-4 in such situations; the Sharks are 6-11. San Jose is also just 1-5 when opening a road trip after a multiple-game home stand.

Will take CHICAGO -167.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 bet on the Blackhawks would return a profit of $5.99.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

San Jose hasn’t lost by multiple goals since Feb. 25. The erratic Chicago defense has yielded just 25 shots per game over its last three contests; the ‘Hawks allowed 38.5 shots per game over the four games prior.

PASS on the puck line (Chicago -1.5, +165 / San Jose +1.5, -200)

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+115) is worth consideration and is a slight lean here. But Jones is more prone to a shaky four-goal game than most, and just a few games back the Chicago offense was clicking. The price here isn’t quite enough to trigger a play, so check the odds to see if they move in a positive direction.

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

Follow @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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Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Bruins at Flyers NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Boston Bruins (43-14-12) visit the Philadelphia Flyers (41-20-7) for a Tuesday-night (7 p.m. ET) tilt as a couple Eastern Conference elites get together at the Wells Fargo Center. We analyze the Boston-Philadelphia odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Bruins at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Carter Hart

Rask has played in 40 games this season and owns a sparkling 2.18 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. His .940 even-strength SV% is best in the league among netminders who’ve logged more than 35 games. Rask backs a Boston defense yielding just 27.2 shots per contest since Feb.5. He’s only faced Philadelphia once over the last two seasons (Jan. 31, 2019), and has carded three shaky starts over his last five this season (combined .882 SV).

Hart has registered a 2.43 GAA and .913 SV% in 42 games. He’s been tremendous at home (1.16 GAA, .944 SV%) and has fared well of late (.947 SV% in three March games). He hasn’t solved the Bruins this season, however. Hart has faced Boston twice: he’s allowed seven goals while notching an .881 SV%.

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

Bruins at Flyers: 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 Tuesday at 1:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Philadelphia 3, Boston 2

Moneyline (ML)

Boston is 9-3 over its last 12; Philadelphia has won nine in a row. The Flyers don’t have great puck-possession numbers during the win streak, but they have been getting to the high-danger areas. Philly is getting mid-to-low-slot shots on offense and preventing them on defense. The Flyers are also the better play when figuring goals and goals against versus won-loss record. There is more upside, more of a chance of the public being a bit low in their assessment of the Flyers. And Philly is a league-best 25-5-4 on home ice.

Will back PHILADELPHIA -106.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Flyers to win outright returns a profit of $9.43.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line for this game — Philadelphia +1.5 (-295) / Boston -1.5 (+230) — is loaded with 65 points-worth of juice.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

This one (O/U 5.5) has a lot of clashing over and under trends.

PASS.

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

Follow @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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Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche (41-19-8) visit the Los Angeles Kings (27-35-6) for a Monday night tilt at Staples Center. Puck drop is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Avalanche-Kings odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Avalanche at Kings: Projected starting goalies

Michael Hutchinson vs. Jonathan Quick

Hutchinson has been an AHL-NHL swingman for most of his career. This season the recently-turned 30-year-old has compiled a 3.47 goals against average and an .888 save percentage through 16 games between Toronto and Colorado. Acquired Feb. 24, Hutchinson is making his second start for the Avs.

Quick has been enjoying his best stretch of the season of late. The 13-year NHL veteran owned a .894 SV% through Feb. 6. He’s logged a .950 SV% in six games since and is coming off a 36-save shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday. For the season, Quick has a 2.83 GAA and .903 SV%. He’s been better at home (2.36, .918) and has stopped 62-of-64 shots (.969 SV%) against these Avs.

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

Avalanche at Kings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 3, Los Angeles 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Avalanche have been a solid play in most games over the second half of the season, but this goalie matchup tamps down confidence levels. It makes the straight-up price of -143 too difficult to reconcile with a small profit. PASS.

New to sports betting and confused about moneyline odds? In this case, a $14.30 winning bet on Colorado would return a profit of $10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Kings have allowed just 28.5 shots on goal per contest while going 8-1-1 over their last 10 games. The Avs haven’t finished out a road trip of three or more games with a multi-goal win since Dec. 7. PASS ON THE COLORADO LINE (-1.5, +185).

Over/Under (O/U)

Recent team trends point to an Under in this one. The Under is 10-2 in the Avs’ last dozen games against losing teams. Quick’s roll — and the Kings’ better control of their own zone — makes for a confirmation on the lean. The best bet of the three here is a low-confidence play on the UNDER 5.5 (-106).

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

Follow @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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Colorado Avalanche at San Jose Sharks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Avalanche at Sharks NHL betting odds, with NHL matchup, analysis and picks.

The Colorado Avalanche (40-19-8) visit the San Jose Sharks (29-34-5) for some late-night (10 p.m. ET) West Coast NHL action Sunday on NBCSN. We analyze the Colorado-San Jose odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Avalanche at Sharks: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. Martin Jones

Francouz owns a nifty .924 save percentage through 31 games. He’s registered a goals-against average of 2.39 and has been a steadying influence in the absence of No. 1 goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who has been on the shelf with a groin injury since mid-February. But after posting a .957 SV% in his first six games in Grubauer’s absence, Francouz has allowed nine goals over two starts since.

Jones has registered a 2.97 GAA and .898 SV% in 40 games. He’s struggled from a consistency standpoint and has been more prone to clunkers. But Jones has been notably better over his last eight games (2.02 GAA, .927 SV%). A downside here may be the 30-year-old’s rest interval of two days. His 2019-20 save percentage in such situations in .873.

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

Avalanche at Sharks: 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 Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 4, San Jose 1

Moneyline (ML)

In an admittedly small sample size, the Avalanche have bounced back well after clunkers on the same road trip. The Avs are certainly coming off one of those Sunday having 6-3 Friday at Vancouver. Puck-possession and shot-type analytics run counter to recent missteps, including losses in Colorado’s last two games (the Avs lost 4-3 in overtime at home Wednesday against Anaheim). San Jose is 3-6 over its last nine games at home. The Sharks are playing the back half of a Saturday-Sunday double: the Sharks are 3-6-1 with no rest days in the bank.

COLORADO -167 is a solid play, perhaps one to be coupled with the Avs on the puck line for some insurance.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 bet on the Avs to win outright would return a profit of $5.99.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Only the Detroit Red Wings have lost more games by three or more goals than the Sharks. San Jose has lost 21 such games and another six by two goals. The Avs are 10-2 in their last 12 against losing teams.

COLORADO -1.5 (+165) IS A STRONG PLAY.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total here figures as too close to leverage either way.

PASS on the 5.5 (-121/+100) total.

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

Follow @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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St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Blues at Blackhawks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Chicago Blackhawks (31-29-8) host the defending champ and rival St. Louis Blues (40-18-10) at United Center at 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday (on NBCSN). We analyze the Blues-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Blues at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Jake Allen vs. Malcolm Subban

Allen is 10-6-3 with a 2.31 goals-against average and .922 save percentage this season as the backup to Jordan Binnington. Allen posted a 38-save shutout in Chicago on Dec. 2, his only one of the season. Binnington has posted a 30-12-7 record with a 2.57 GAA and .911 SV% in 49 starts. He continues to do a tremendous job, as the defending champs look poised for another lengthy postseason run. While he is 2-0-0 against the Blackhawks this season, he also has a dismal 4.01 GAA and .846 SV% against them, so that’s why he’ll likely get a break.

Subban might get a shot after Corey Crawford was a bit shaky in his most recent outing. While it might be quite the tall order for what would be Subban’s first start with the team following his trade from Vegas, he did beat the Blues 6-5 in overtime Feb. 13. Crawford is 0-3-0 with a 4.77 GAA and .867 SV% in three starts against the Blues this season.

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

Blues at Blackhawks: 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 Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 5, Blackhawks 3

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-139) are a good bet regardless of whether the Blackhawks (+115) give Crawford or Subban the nod. St. Louis has been getting the better goaltending overall this season. The Blues are also 8-1 in their past nine games overall and 7-1 in the past eight as a favorite. The favorite is also 5-1 in the past six meetings in this rivalry, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager for the Blues to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.20 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

BLUES (-1.5, +185) is a nice small-unit play, as you can profit almost double your initial investment. While the home team is 6-1 in the past seven in this series and the Blues are 4-8-2 in their past 14 on the road, St. Louis is overall the better team with much more depth on offense and in the crease.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-150) is the best bet in this rivalry game, though the vig jumped from -110 to -150 from Sunday morning to afternoon. The Over is 7-3-1 in the past 11 battles in Chicago, and 15-6-5 in the previous 26 installments in this series. The Over is also 10-4-1 in the past 15 divisional games for St. Louis, while going 7-2 in the past nine for Chicago and 11-4 in the past 15 in which Chicago plays a team with a winning record.

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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New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Devils at Rangers NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, matchup analysis and picks.

The New Jersey Devils (27-28-12) make the short trip east to square off against the New York Rangers (36-27-4) in a Metropolitan Division tussle at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Saturday night. We analyze the Devils-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Devils at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Blackwood sat in Friday’s 4-2 win over St. Louis — a win that upped New Jersey’s record since Feb. 1 to 9-4-4 — and is tabbed for this turn at MSG. The Devils’ youngster allowed five goals on 25 shots Jan. 9 in a 6-3 Devils loss in the same building. Overall, the 6-foot-4, 23-year-old is 21-13-8 with a 2.71 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 45 games this season. Blackwood has been sharp on the road (.922 SV%) and on a major roll (.961 SV% over eight games since Feb. 6.

Georgiev has scuffled a bit at home, allowing five goals Thursday, his most recent start there. But that game — a 6-5 Rangers win in overtime — was against the Washington Capitals, a much more potent offense than the New Jersey attack he’ll see Saturday. Overall this season, the 24-year-old is 17-14-1 with a 3.05 GAA and .910 SV% in 33 games. Georgiev has registered a fine .943 SV% in two starts against the Devils this season, including a 33-save road shutout on Nov. 30.

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

Devils at Rangers: 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 Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

New York 3, New Jersey 2

Moneyline (ML)

Recent successes for the Devils aren’t supported by peripheral analytics, and a good case can be made that New Jersey is way out over its skis with even 27 wins so far. New Jersey has lost four in a row at Madison Square Garden. The past goalie-vs.-opponent numbers stack up in favor of the Rangers. And New Jersey has been awful in road games after a solo contest at home.

Take NEW YORK (-200).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rangers to win straight up would return a profit of $5.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rangers (-1.5, +125) have just one multi-goal win at home since Feb. 5. Going against Blackwood tamps down that angle even further.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is: 8-1 in the Devils’ last nine games … 5-2 in the Rangers’ last seven home games … 7-1 in New York’s last eight games against sub-.500 teams.

Through Dec. 31, the Blueshirts allowed 3.8 goals per game on an average of 35 shots allowed. They’ve buttoned things up since, allowing 2.8 GPG on 33 shots per contest. Play the UNDER 5.5 (+120).

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

Follow @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 Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins matchup, with NHL betting odds, analysis and picks.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (42-20-5) visit the Boston Bruins (43-13-12) in a Saturday-night (7 p.m. ET) battle of beasts in the East at TD Garden. We analyze the Lightning-Bruins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Lightning at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Tuukka Rask

Vasilevskiy carded a 32-save shutout against Montreal Thursday (both Tampa Bay and Boston head into Saturday’s tilt after one off day). The Thursday start and the turn prior (Tuesday vs. Boston) combined to mark a bounce-back for the 25-year-old Russian. Over four games from Feb. 20-29, Vasilevskiy had posted a mere .839 save percentage. In the start against the Bruins Tuesday, he stopped 33-of-35 pucks. For the season, he owns a 2.56 goals-against average and .916 SV. He’s 2-1 with a .931 SV against Boston.

Rask started Tuesday’s game at Tampa Bay (his last start) and earned the win, allowing just one goal on 21 shots. He has started all three games against the Lightning and has registered a .920 SV in the process. On the season, Rask has notched a 2.13 GAA and .928 SV in 39 games. Since the All-Star break, the 13-year NHL veteran has logged an 8-3 record alongside a 1.77 GAA and .937 SV. Over his last five start on three days’ rest, Rask has posted a .966 SV.

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

Lightning at Bruins: 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 Saturday at 11:39 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Tampa Bay 3, Boston 2

Moneyline (ML)

The analysis here shakes out as a Lightning lean on Pythagorean comparisons (comparing won-loss record to what is “should be” using goals for and against) and on recent puck-possession analytics. Going against Rask swings the lean back to almost level.

But the price on the visitors is just good enough to make TAMPA BAY +115 a small-confidence play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

All three previous meetings between the Lightning and Bruins have been decided by one goal. The projected game flow here calls for a one-goal game and an under, but the puck line price — Tampa Bay +1.5 (-250) — isn’t worth the risk. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is a combined 22-11 for these teams when playing in a game lined with a 5.5 total. The average total for Tampa Bay-as-road-dog games is 5.29.

PLAY THE UNDER 5.5 (-115) in this intriguing Saturday-night Atlantic Division tilt.

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