A couple of teams that have put themselves firmly in playoff contention, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning meet at Amalie Arena for an East-West matchup. The first puck will drop at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 22, and fans at home will be able to catch the game live on NBC Sports Network.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Odds
Chicago (+145) is currently the underdog to Tampa Bay (-165) and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at an even 6 goals (-110 for the over, -110 for the under).
Earning 8.1 units for moneyline bettors, Tampa Bay is 15-5 straight up (SU) overall in the 2017-18 season. That win percentage, ranked first in the league so far this season, is a solid improvement compared to what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (42-40). Of its 20 games this season, 13 have gone over the total, while seven have gone under and none have pushed. The teams 8-3 SU at home so far this year.
The Lightning come into the matchup with the second-best power-play unit in the NHL, as they have scored on 28.0 percent of their extra-man opportunities this year. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked ninth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 83.8 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, the Lightning have been whistled for penalties 4.2 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over their past five match ups. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays for just 8.2 minutes per game over their last 10 matchups, in total.
Averaging 30.5 saves per game with a .928 save percentage, Andrei Vasilevskiy (14-3-1) has been the best goalkeeper for Tampa Bay this season. If head coach Jon Cooper chooses to rest him, however, the team might roll with Peter Budaj (1-2-2 record, .873 save percentage, 3.33 goals against average).
The Bolts will continue to look for leadership via Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. Stamkos (35 points) has tallied 10 goals and 25 assists and has recorded multiple points in 11 different games this year. Kucherov has 17 goals and 16 assists to his name and has notched a point in 17 contests.
On the other side of the rink, Chicago is 10-10 straight up (SU) and has lost 2.4 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 20 regular season outings, 10 of its games have gone over the total, while nine have gone under and just one has pushed. The Blackhawks are 5-5 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 16.3 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked ninth overall and it’s successfully defended 83.8 percent of all opponent power plays.
Chicago’s players have been penalized 4.2 times per game in total this season, and 3.4 per game over their last five road outings. The teams been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 7.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Corey Crawford (2.19 goals against average and .933 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago. Crawford is averaging 28.5 saves per game and has nine wins and eight losses to his credit.
Patrick Kane (six goals, 13 assists) has been one of the most vital offensive playmakers for the visiting Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Lightning, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The over has hit in four of Tampa Bay’s last five outings.
- Over Tampa Bay’s last ten outings, six of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 4-2 in those games).
