Bruins vs. Lightning Picks, Predictions: 2 of NHL's Best Square Off in Tampa
A pair of Eastern Conference juggernauts are set to clash on Monday night when the Boston Bruins storm the Amalie Arena in Tampa to take on the Lightning. Read on for our Bruins-Lightning picks and predictions.
Perched atop the NHL standings with an incredible 16-2 record, the Bruins cruise into Monday’s showdown fresh off a 6-1 shellacking of the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night. Twine-assassin David Pastrnak lit the lamp twice, while Jeremy Swayman stopped 17 shots to secure the win.
Like the Bruins, the streaking Lightning head into this matchup hot on the heels of a Saturday night victory. Steven Stamkos scored the overtime winner and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 30 of 32 shots as Tampa squeaked by the Nashville Predators 3-2.
With the Bruins and Lightning riding six- and four-game winning streaks, respectively, one must end.
Here are my NHL picks and predictions for Monday's game between the Bruins and Lightning (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Bruins vs. Lightning Game Info
Date: Monday,
Nov. 21, 7 p.m. ET
TV: TVAS, BSSUNX, NESN
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
Bruins vs. Lightning Odds
Bruins vs. Lightning Odds Analysis
If you’re backing the Bruins, your best bet is to snatch them up at -105 over at DraftKings. Other sportsbooks like FanDuel have them listed as even (-110) with the Lightning. If you are looking to throw some coin down on Tampa, -110 at FanDuel is likely your best bet.
The goal total is set at 6 at virtually every sportsbook, with the Over paying out at -105 (DraftKings) while the Under will net you -110 (FanDuel).
Bruins vs. Lightning Picks
- Moneyline: Bruins (-105 via DraftKings)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-105 via DraftKings)
- Prop bet: Steven Stamkos Over 3.5 shots (+116 via FanDuel)
Bruins vs. Lightning ML Pick
Bruins (-105) ★★★★
In a matchup between two of the hottest teams in the NHL, you almost have to back the one that’s gone completely volcanic. The Bruins have won six straight and are a ridiculous 9-1 in their last 10 games. They’re also the superior team in terms of goals per game, goals surrendered per game, Corsi For percentage, expected goals against, and expected goals-for percentage.
Netminder Linus Ullmark is also doing a spot-on impression of a brick wall between the pipes for Boston, boasting a 1.89 GAA, .937 save percentage, and 8.00 goals-saved above average.
Tampa is an excellent squad, but the Bruins are off to a historic start and the top team in the NHL at this point. This is the perfect time to back the slight road underdogs.
Bruins vs. Lightning O/U Pick
Over 6 (-105) ★★★★
Despite Ullmark’s heroics between the pipes, I have to back the Over on this one. I wouldn't go higher than 6, though.
The Bruins are the top-scoring team in NHL, averaging 4.11 goals per game, and they've combined with their opponents to score seven-plus goals nine times in 18 games and twice in their last three.
The Lightning have some firepower of their own, averaging 3.39 goals per game. Like the Bruins, the Lightning have combined with their opponents to score seven-plus goals nine times in 18 games this season.
Of course, Ullmark and Vasilevskiy could completely derail a potential goal-fest, but these are two top-10 scoring teams with top-10 power plays.
Bruins vs. Lightning Prop Pick
Stamkos Over 3.5 shots (+116) ★★★★
Tampa’s captain is off to a good start this season, notching 10 goals and 20 points in his first 18 games. He’s also launched 71 shots on goal, and that’s where I feel you’ll find some value. Stamkos is averaging 3.94 shots per game and has topped the four-shot plateau three times over his last five games, and 12 times overall.
Since he’s racked up four-plus shots in 67% of his games, I wouldn’t be surprised if he opened up a shooting gallery on Monday night. Even against the defensively stingy Bruins, plus-money for Stamkos to keep doing what he’s done all season holds some pretty good value.
Where to Bet on Bruins-Lightning Picks
Bruins-Lightning picks made 11/21/2022 at 9:21 a.m. ET.
