Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers NHL Betting Analysis, Picks
The Tampa Bay Lightning (21-6-4) travel to Florida to take on the Panthers (19-7-4) at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The game is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. EST on Thursday, December 30th.
The Lightning last played on Tuesday when they defeated Montreal by a final score of 5-4. Tampa Bay enters Thursday sitting in first place in the Atlantic.
The Panthers will play in the second of a back-to-back on Thursday following Wednesday night’s win over the New York Rangers. Florida currently ranks third in the Atlantic.
These two rivals both rank near the top half of the division and have traded victories in head-to-head meetings against one another this season. Florida cruised to a 4-1 win in their first matchup, while Tampa Bay emerged victorious in a competitive 3-2 overtime victory in the last contest between these teams.
We should be in store for another tremendous game on Thursday night.
Betting Analysis for Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers NHL
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Stats & Analysis
The Tampa Bay Lightning have enjoyed a very successful season up to this point. However, they narrowly escaped with a win against the underwhelming Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. It should be noted that Tampa Bay had a number of players in COVID-19 protocol for that game.
Nonetheless, Montreal was able to score four goals against the Lightning. Tampa Bay has been solid in limiting opposing offenses this season, as they rank 10th in goals against. But with third-string goaltender Maxime Lagace making his season debut, the Canadiens were able to find plenty of scoring opportunities.
Fortunately for the Lightning, their offense stepped up once again, as it has all year. Forward Brayden Point led the scoring charge with two goals of his own. Ondrej Palat, Corey Perry, and Ross Colton all added a goal in the victory.
The Lightning have maintained consistent offense during the 2021-2022 campaign. They now rank seventh in goals scored with a mark of 101. They also make every shot on goal count with an efficient shooting percentage of .112, which is good for second in the NHL.
But what separates the Lightning from other good teams is their overall balance. They play quality hockey on both ends of the ice. They will rely on that balance against Florida in this game.
Florida Panthers Betting Stats & Analysis
The Panthers took care of business at home against the Rangers on Wednesday. But the win certainly did not come easy. The game was tied entering the third period before Florida took the lead on a Carter Verhaeghe goal.
Other Panthers who found the back of the net include; Anton Lundell, Anthony Duclair, and MacKenzie Weegar. The Panthers have relied on their goal-scoring attack this season, as they rank sixth in goals scored and fifth in assists.
Their main issues have stemmed from the defensive end. Although their defense is far from terrible, it has been fairly mediocre so far in 2021.
But goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been productive for Florida. He has compiled a 12-3 record to go along with a 2.47 GAA and a .917 GAA. Nonetheless, the Panthers rank just 15th in goals surrendered.
The Panthers’ win on Wednesday was a crucial boost of confidence for the team. Prior to Wednesday, Florida had lost three games in a row before having four contests postponed due to covid. They will look to keep that three-game losing streak in the rearview mirror and start a winning streak on Thursday against Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers NHL Betting Trends
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Tampa Bay is 13-18 ATS this season.
- The Lightning are 8-7 ATS on the road in 2021.
- They have an over/under record of 16-15.
- Tampa Bay has an over/record on the road of 9-6.
- The Lightning are 10-3 SU as the away team this year.
Florida Panthers
- The Panthers are 15-14 ATS this season.
- Florida is 8-9 ATS at home.
- They have an over/under record of 15-14.
- Florida has an over/under record at home of 11-6.
- They are 15-3 SU at home this year.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers NHL Betting Odds
Yahoo Sportsbook has the Panthers listed as 1.5-point favorites for Thursday’s game.
Betonline and BetUS have yet to release their odds for this matchup.
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How To Bet On: Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers NHL – Betting lines
The Lightning have been one of the best teams in the NHL this year. They have produced on both sides of the ice and are always a difficult team to match up against.
With that being said, this is a Florida team that is undervalued. While their defense is not spectacular, it holds up enough. And the Panthers can keep pace on offense with the best teams in the NHL.
The Panthers will need to be at their absolute best on Thursday night if they want to pull off this win. Defeating the first-place team is never an easy task, but Florida will benefit from their home advantage.
Expect a hard-fought game from both teams in this contest. However, I believe the Panthers will cover the spread at home against Tampa Bay on Thursday night. It will be far from easy, but Florida has the talent to win this game and inch closer in the division.
OBS Betting Picks for Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers NHL
Take the Florida Panthers -1.5 with your betting selection.
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