Lightning vs. Blackhawks: NHL Best Bets & Predictions (Tuesday)
Last night’s Winter Classic was just that – a classic. Jake DeBrusk led the way for the Bruins, scoring a pair of third-period goals en route to the 2-1 victory over the Penguins. The league perfectly executed the event, from the venue to the uniforms to the matchup itself.
The NHL season continues to chug along as we have a 12-game slate to choose from tonight. Here are my top three plays on the ice. And here’s a closer look at Lightning vs. Blackhawks.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Lightning vs. Blackhawks: NHL Best Bets & Predictions (Tuesday)
The Lightning gets set for their first game of the new year as they face the Blackhawks in Chicago. This 2015 Stanley Cup rematch is set for 8:30 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago.
While the Blackhawks topped the Bolts in 2015 and collected their third Cup in six years, the franchise has quickly declined over the last half-decade. Chicago has become a doormat in the league, and things do not seem to be getting any betting in the Windy City. The Hawks are just 8-24-4 (20 points) this season, and they’ve gone 2-19-1 over their last 22 games.
There is a myriad of issues for the Hawks, but their biggest blemish has been the lack of offense. They’re scoring just 2.2 goals per game (31st) and finding the back of the net on 20.18% of power play opportunities (22nd). I don’t expect their offensive woes to be cured tonight as they’re running into Andrei Vasilevskiy and a Bolts team that gives up just 2.66 goals per game (11th). The Russian-born netminder is 16-9-1 this year with a 2.42 GAA and .921 SV%. Look for the Lightning to stretch their lead out to at least two goals tonight and cover the puck line.
Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (-130 via DraftKings)
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