Tag: Tampa Bay Lightning odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers meet for Game 1 of Eastern Conference Semifinals Tuesday at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Panthers Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning polished off the Toronto Maple Leafs in 7 games in the first round, coming back from a 3-2 series deficit to advance. That includes a 2-1 road win in Toronto in the clincher Saturday.

The Panthers registered a first-round series win in 6 games over the Washington Capitals. The Caps won Game 3 by a 6-1 score to take a 2-1 series lead, but the Panthers won the next 3 games, including OT victories in Games 4 and 6.

Lightning at Panthers 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 6:01 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Panthers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-180) | Panthers -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -165 | U: +130)

Lightning at Panthers projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (4-3-0, 3.04 GAA, .897 SV% – postseason) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (4-2-0, 2.79 GAA, .906 SV% – postseason)

Vasilevskiy picked up wins in Games 6 and 7, his first consecutive victories in these playoffs. He saved his best performance of the postseason for Game 7, stopping all but 1 of the 31 shots he faced in Toronto.

Bobrovsky has picked up 3 straight wins, including overtime road victories in Games 4 and 6. He yielded 3 goals on 37 shots in a 4-3 overtime victory in the clincher Friday.

[tipico]

Lightning at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Panthers 3

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+130) have managed to win a pair of Stanley Cup championships the past two seasons. A lot of the team’s success has been in the second round, claiming back-to-back 4-1 series victories during the 2 title runs. In its last 32 Eastern Conference Semifinal games, Tampa Bay is 24-8.

The Panthers are moderate favorites in the opener, but they’re not as experienced as the Lightning, and it will show. This is Florida’s first trip to a second-round series since 1996. Facing an experienced Tampa Bay team will be too much to handle in this opening game.

Against the spread

The LIGHTNING +1.5 (-180) are a little on the expensive side – if you’d like a little insurance – but it’s not terribly out of line if you’d rather play it safe.

While the Panthers have won 3 in a row, they needed overtime in 2 of them.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-165) is also a little on the expensive side, but it’s the best play on the board. Tampa hit the Over at a 5-1-1 rate in the first round, while Florida cashed the Over in 3 of its past 4 contests.

Until these teams show any semblance of defense and good goaltending in these playoffs, keep slamming the Over in this series.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 7 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 7 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 7 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Saturday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The series is tied 3-3. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The 2-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning look to keep their pursuit of a 3-peat alive in this Game 7 north of the border. The Lightning are just 1-2 in Toronto in this series, getting outscored 12-8.

The Maple Leafs haven’t won a playoff series since 2004. That’s the bad news. The good news is that they’ve lost a Game 7 on home ice just twice in franchise history. Of course, last season in the 1st round was one of those setbacks.

Lightning at Maple Leafs 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 8:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Maple Leafs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-230) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy allowed just 3 goals on 33 shots in a Game 6 overtime victory in Tampa, one of his finest performances of the series. He is now 3-3-0 with a 3.37 GAA and .885 SV% so far in the postseason.

Campbell was staked to a 3-2 lead late in the 2nd period, but C Brayden Point had other ideas in overtime. Campbell is playing right on part with Vasilevskiy, going 3-3-0 with a 3.33 GAA and .893 SV% through 6 playoff games.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+102) are the play as short ‘dogs against the Maple Leafs, who have just been atrocious in recent postseason history. In fact, following Toronto’s Game 6 loss in Tampa, the Leafs are now 0-9 in the past 9 tries when trying to eliminate an opponent. It’s going to be the same old story in Toronto with yet another disappointing postseason setback.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-230) are way too expensive on the puck line. Just play Tampa Bay straight up if you like them, rather than risking a ton of money for such little return.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-107) is the lean, ever so slightly. Typically a Game 7 will be on the lower-scoring side, as nerves tend to get the best of teams and goaltenders reign supreme. Even with two high-octane offenses, we’ll play the Under here.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning meet Thursday in Game 6 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The Maple Leafs lead the series 3-2. Puck drop at Amalie Arena in Tampa is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we look at the Maple Leafs vs. Lightning odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Maple Leafs erased an early 2-0 deficit on home ice Tuesday, rallying for a 4-3 victory to move within 1 game of a series win. The Leafs haven’t advanced to the 2nd round since 2004.

The Lightning have their backs to the wall, facing elimination in the first round after winning the Stanley Cup in each of the past 2 seasons. Tampa Bay is 1-1 at home in this series, averaging 4.5 goals per game while yielding 4.0 goals per outing in these contests.

Maple Leafs 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 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Maple Leafs +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Lightning -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-220) | Lightning -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -140 | U: +112)

Maple Leafs at Lightning projected goalies

Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Campbell spotted the Lightning 2 goals in the first 6:11 of Game 5, but he settled down and allowed just 1 goal for the remainder of the game. He is 3-2-0 with a 3.41 GAA and .895 SV% with 1 shutout in 5 postseason games.

Vasilevskiy will have to save the Lightning again after a playoff loss. Since 2020, Vasilevskiy is 16-0 with a 1.41 GAA and .945 SV% with 5 shutouts following a loss in the postseason. Tampa Bay has a 26.2% mark on the power play while killing penalties at an 86.8% clip during that span.

[tipico]

Maple Leafs at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (-130) have a championship pedigree, and the Maple Leafs have a really shaky postseason past. It’s hard to see Toronto ousting Tampa Bay and sending the 2-time defending champs to the handshake line, especially in their own barn.

Against the spread

The LIGHTNING -1.5 (+165) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line but play it lightly. Tampa Bay is a prideful bunch that should force this series back to the Great White North for a decisive Game 7.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+112) is a risky play, but that’s the lean here.

The Over has hit in each of the last 4 games in this series after an Under result in Game 1. While the Maple Leafs have scored at least 3 goals in every game in this series, it’s time for Vasilevskiy to shine brightest when everything is on the line. Expect his best performance 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. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 5 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The series is tied 2-2. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning split two games in Toronto, and they split a pair of games on home ice. No one has really been able to gather much momentum in this series, although we’ve seen plenty of goals.

The Maple Leafs have scored a total of 16 goals while yielding 14 goals, and every game has been decided by 2 or more goals. The most sure thing seems to be the Over so far.

Lightning at Maple Leafs 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 7:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Maple Leafs -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-240) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy bounced back from the Game 3 loss, stopping 22 of the 25 shots he faced. He is still a very ordinary 2-2 with a 3.54 GAA and .888 SV% in 4 postseason starts so far.

Campbell was yanked in Game 4 after allowing 5 goals on 16 shots. Rookie G Erik Kallgren came on and stopped all 10 of the shots he faced, although “Soup” will be back in the crease for Game 5.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Lightning 3

Money line

It’s hard to believe in a MAPLE LEAFS (-130) team which has had so much postseason misery in recent seasons. This team hasn’t made it to the second round since 2004.

However, Toronto has been showing up and scoring plenty of goals, which is a difference from years past. Back them at home, as they push the Lightning into an elimination game.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-240) is a little on the expensive side if you’d like some insurance. If you like Tampa Bay, just play them straight up. It’s not a terrible value at plus money against a team that just cannot get out of its own way across the past two decades of playoffs.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-125) is the lean, although go lightly. We’ve seen the Over cashed in the past three games, with an average of 8.33 combined goals per contest. You can’t count on the Under until things change dramatically in this series.

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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. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 4 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning meet Sunday in Game 4 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The Maple Leafs lead the series 2-1. Puck drop at Amalie Arena in Tampa is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we look at the Maple Leafs vs. Lightning odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Leafs surprised the Lightning in Game 3 as the series shifted to Florida. Toronto suffered a disappointing 5-3 loss on home ice to cede home-ice advantage to the 2-time defending Stanley Cup champs, only to seize it back with a 5-2 win Friday in Tampa.

The Lightning turn to Andrei Vasilevskiy, who since 2020 is a crazy 15-0-0 with a 1.31 GAA, .948 SV% and 5 shutouts following a playoff loss. He is also 4th all-time in postseason history with a .923 SV%, so he’ll look to snap Tampa back on track yet again.

Maple Leafs 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 12:49 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Maple Leafs +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Lightning -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-270) | Lightning -1.5 (+190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

Maple Leafs at Lightning projected goalies

Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Campbell rebounded from a shaky performance in Game 2 to stop 32 of the 34 shots he faced in Game 3 to help the Maple Leafs grab the series lead. He is 2-1-0 with a 2.37 GA and .924 SV% with a shutout in the 3 games.

Vasilevskiy’s success after a playoff loss is well documented. Overall in this series, he has been outplayed. He is 1-2-0 with a 3.72 GAA and subpar .890 SV% in the 3 games. Vasilevskiy needs to be better or the postseason run ends early this year.

[tipico]

Maple Leafs at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 5, Maple Leafs 4

Money line

The LIGHTNING (-120) are slight favorites on home ice. Bet on their pedigree, bet against the Maple Leafs (+100) who have been perennial chokers and bet on Vasilevskiy who is the best in the business following a postseason setback.

Against the spread

The Maple Leafs +1.5 (-270) will cost you more than 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s too expensive for insurance. If you like them, just play it straight up. I don’t, however, and think Tampa squares the series in a close one.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-120) is the best play on the board. We’ve had a total of 20 goals, or 6.7 goals per game, through the first 3 games in this series. We’ll see more offense in Game 4, as the only thing keeping that average from being higher was Tampa’s stunning shutout loss in Game 1. We’ll get fire-wagon hockey, and bettors won’t need a late empty-net goal to push the total Over like we saw in Game 3. This will be a lot more comfortable.

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. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 2 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 2 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning were roughed up in Game 1, both on the scoreboard and with the fists. The two-time defending champs suffered a 5-0 loss and were left embarrassed and bloodied, especially after D Morgan Rielly got into a dust-up with D Jan Rutta.

Game 1 featured 113 minutes of penalties, and LW Kyle Clifford of the Leafs kicked it off with a 5-minute boarding major and game misconduct in the 1st period. That infraction led to a 1-game suspension, so look for veteran C Jason Spezza to draw in for Clifford.

Lightning at Maple Leafs 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 7:42 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Maple Leafs -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-240) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy had a rare rough outing in the series opener. The good news for Lightning fans and bettors is that Vasilevskiy is 14-0-0 with a .966 SV% and 5 shutouts during the past 2 playoff runs following a loss.

Campbell stopped 23 shots to post his 2nd-career playoff shutout, helping the Leafs grab the early series lead. He’ll need to continue that level of play if the Leafs are to oust the 2-time defending champs and win a series for the first time since 2004.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+110) were stunningly bad, and they were punched in the mouth – literally. Expect the experienced Bolts to bounce back, as it’s hard to bet against a team with a championship pedigree.

Plus, those numbers for Vasilevskiy after a playoff loss across the past 2 seasons back up the decision to roll with Tampa. He is unreal following a setback.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-240) will cost you nearly two and a half times your potential return. Tampa was bad in Game 1, but this is a Toronto team that is still fighting ghosts of playoff seasons past, having failed to get out of the first round since 2004. This is also a team that hasn’t had a championship since 1967. Until they start showing they can win in the postseason regularly, fade the Leafs.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-130) is the way to go here. While I don’t expect Tampa to get blanked again, I also don’t expect the Toronto offense to go off on Vasilevskiy like it did in Game 1. Look for a much tighter game defensively on both sides of the ice.

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. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 1 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Monday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning, winners of the past two Stanley Cups, ended up splitting the regular-season series with the Maple Leafs. Both teams won twice in four meetings, with the road team picking up a pair of victories.

The Maple Leafs haven’t won a playoff series since 2004, so there will be a lot more pressure on them than the defending champs. Toronto has picked up victories in 38 of its last 53 games at home.

Lightning at Maple Leafs 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 8:13 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Maple Leafs -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-250) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy had another tremendous regular season, but he was beatable on the road. He was 19-10-1 with a 2.77 GAA and .912 SV% and no shutouts no the road. He was 2-1-1 vs. Toronto in the regular season, posting a 2.97 GAA and .919 SV%.

Campbell was “M’m! M’m! Good!” in the final month of the season, as “Soup” went 7-0-2 with a 2.59 GAA and .915 SV% across 8 starts and 1 relief appearance in April. That includes a 32-save performance in a 6-2 win at Tampa April 4.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 3

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+105) being underdogs in this series opener, and in the series odds, is ludicrous.

The Maple Leafs may have had a great regular season and are a team that boasts 60-goal scorer C Auston Matthews, but this is a team that has had terrible luck in the postseason. Toronto has failed to win a Stanley Cup since 1967 and failed to even make it to the second round since 2004. Until it shows it has changed its postseason fortunes, fade the Leafs hard.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-250) are too costly if you’re looking for some insurance and don’t trust the two-time defending champs straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-108) is worth a small-unit play.

The Over has dominated for Tampa lately, going 8-1 in its last 9 games overall and 4-1 in its last 5 outings on the road. The Over is also 7-3 in the previous 10 contests where the Lightning were underdogs.

It’s all about the Over for the Leafs, too. The Over is 32-14-6 in their last 52 games as a favorite and 38-15-7 in their last 60 overall. Toronto does it with high scoring and not with defense.

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. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (30-10-6) travel to meet the Colorado Avalanche (32-8-4) Thursday at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning posted a 3-2 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks Feb. 1 in their last action prior to the All-Star break. It was the third straight game for Tampa Bay decided by a 3-2 score, two of which it’s won.

The Avalanche posted a 4-3 shootout victory against the Lightning at Amalie Arena Oct. 23 behind G Darcy Kuemper. The Avalanche had won 10 of their last 11 games prior to the All-Star break, but they had a 10-game win streak snapped in a 3-2 in a shootout loss against the Arizona Coyotes in a giant upset last time out.

Lightning at Avalanche odds, spread 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 6:51 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Avalanche -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-260) | Avalanche -1.5 (+185)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Lightning at Avalanche projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (25-7-4, 2.23 GAA, .922 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Darcy Kuemper (21-5-2, 2.55 GAA, .915 SV%, 1 SO)

Vasilevskiy turned aside 19 of the 21 shots he faced in a 3-2 overtime win against the Sharks Feb. 1. He is 8-3-1 across his last 12 starts since the start of the new year and has allowed 2 or fewer goals in eight of those outings.

Kuemper was on the short end of that stunning 3-2 shootout loss to the Coyotes Feb. 1 although he stopped 22 of 24 shots. He was 8-0-1 with a 2.23 GAA and .928 SV% and a shutout in 11 January starts.

Lightning at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 3, Lightning 2

Money line

The AVALANCHE (-130) are a decent value on home ice against the visiting Lightning as they go for the season sweep in this potential Stanley Cup preview. Colorado has outscored the opposition 25-14 across its last seven contests.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-260) are way too expensive if you’re looking for some insurance in this road outing. Tampa Bay did lose by 1 goal in the first meeting, and each of their past three outings has been decided by one goal. However, there is just too much risk with not enough reward here.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-130) is the best play on the board in this one.

Yes, you have two outstanding offensive units and two rested teams, however, you also have a couple of rested goaltenders who are top notch. This won’t be a defensive slog but a 6.5 number is rather high.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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