Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Tampa Bay Lightning (6-3-0) take on the Colorado Avalanche (5-5-0) Wednesday. Puck drop from Ball Arena is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Lightning vs. Avalanche odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Tied 1-1 last year

The Bolts secured the extra point in overtime in a 3-2 win against the Nashville Predators Monday. That was the first game this season that superstar RW Nikita Kucherov went without a point. C Brayden Point netted his 6th goal and delivered an assist in the game as well. The Lightning are 3-1 in their last 4.

The Avs’ 5-game winning streak ended with a 5-2 shocker against the Chicago Blackhawks Monday. They were on the back end of a back-to-back, and maybe their legs weren’t there after a 5-4 tough win against the Ottawa Senators. C Nathan MacKinnon scored his 5th goal to go with 11 assists on the season.

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Lightning at Avalanche odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 2:17 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lightning -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Avalanche -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning -1.5 (+200) | Avalanche +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Lightning at Avalanche projected goalies

Jonas Johansson (1-0-0, 4.08 GAA, .880 SV%) vs. Kaapo Kahkonen (6-20-3, 3.82 GAA, .895 SV% in 31 games w/ San Jose last year)

It’s possible they stick with Andrei Vasilevskiy, but it makes sense to start the backup here 8 days after his first start of the season. Johansson wasn’t sharp in that one, but he didn’t have to be. He allowed 5 goals on 35 shots in an 8-5 victory. That was also a day after he was thrust into relief duty, stopping 14 of 15 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kahkonen makes his debut with the Avs after they claimed him off waivers Oct. 11. He went 0-2-0 with a 2.57 GAA and .919 SV% during an AHL conditioning assignment. Kahkonen came on in relief against Tampa last season and allowed just 1 goal on 10 shots in just over a period of work.

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Lightning at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Lightning 3

Moneyline

The fact that Vassy has not been announced as the starting goalie tells me the Bolts are going to their backup. So this should be a goalfest. That benefits the Avs at home. Kahkonen has a chance to earn a large role with G Alexandar Georgiev struggling, and he could make a good first impression.

Take the AVALANCHE -105 for a good price at home.

Puck line/Against the spread

I’m targeting C Casey Mittelstadt here, who scored his 6th goal of the season in the last game. He has 3+ SOG in the last 2 games, and in a game I expect offense, I will take the plus-money for CASEY MITTELSTADT OVER 2.5 SHOTS (+130).

Over/Under

Colorado is 6-3-1 O/U this season with the fluctuation in net. The Lightning are 4-4-1, but I expect them to go with their backup. The Over went 2-2 in the last 4 regular season matchups.

LEAN OVER 6.5 (-120).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and predictions

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

The Tampa Bay Lightning (34-16-2) play the 2nd contest in a 4-game road trip Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche (28-19-4) at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Lightning just topped the Avalanche 5-0 at Amalie Arena behind All-Star Andrei Vasilevskiy Thursday, and now the sides go from sea level to the rarefied air in less than a week’s time.

The Avalanche got untracked with a 5-3 in in Florida after the shutout loss in Tampa, but Colorado has been awfully inconsistent with a 2-2-1 record in the past 5 games with 17 goals allowed during the stretch.

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Lightning at Avalanche odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lightning -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Avalanche -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning -1.5 (+190) | Avalanche +1.5 (-270)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

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Lightning at Avalanche projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (25-13-1, 2.52 GAA, .919 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (21-12-3, 2.68 GAA, .918 SV%, 2 SO)

Vasilevskiy allowed just 1 goal on 29 shots in a win in Dallas last time out, following up his 30-save shutout against Colorado in style. He is 2-1-0 with a 2.67 GAA and .926 SV% in 3 February starts so far.

Georgiev has coughed up 8 goals on 77 shots in 2 February assignments, posting a dismal 4.01 GAA and .896 SV%. He’ll be trying to atone for that loss in Tampa, but it’s a tall order with All-Star D Cale Makar sidelined with a head injury.

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Lightning at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Avalanche 3

Moneyline

The LIGHTNING (-115) have been red-hot, going for 5-consecutive victories against teams with an overall winning record. They’re also 27-11 in the previous 38 games overall, and 39-18 in the past 57 against Western Conference foes. Toss in the fact Tampa is 5-0 in the past 5 against winning teams, and 4-0 in the past 4 against the Central Division, and that’s compelling reason enough to back the road team.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Lightning -1.5 (+190) did cover the puck line in rather easy fashion in the 1st meeting on the Suncoast, but it will be a much tighter game in the Mile High City.

It’s a tempting play based on the 5-0 win in Tampa in the past week, but I am not feeling it.

AVOID.

Over/Under

The OVER 5.5 (-125) is a solid interesting play.

The Under is 4-1 in Tampa Bay’s past 5 against winning teams, but the Over is 3-1-1 in the past 5 road games for the Lightning.

And Colorado has cashed the Over at a 4-1-1 clip in the past 6 home games, while going 5-1 in the past 6 against Atlantic Division foes.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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