Tampa Bay vs Ottawa Free NHL Pick
On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Lightning head north to take on the Ottawa Senators in NHL action. The Lightning (37-22-4, 78 points) are in second place in the Atlantic Division after a 2-1 win in Toronto on Monday night. The Senators (30-27-7, 67 points) are in fifth place in the Atlantic Division and are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss in St. Louis on Tuesday night. The full NHL betting odds for this one will be up shortly.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators Free NHL Pick
When: Thursday, March 3, 2016, 7:30 PM ETWhere: Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata, ONTV: RDS, TSN5 SunSRadio: TSN 1200 OttawaLive Stream: NHL StreamNHL Odds: TBA
Why should you bet on the Senators?
When it comes to offense, there aren't many teams who are better than Ottawa. Their 2.8 goals per game average has them fifth in the NHL. Their problem is defense, where their 3.0 goals against average has them 28th in the league. But if they come out flying and can keep the Tampa Bay attack from taking shape, they have an excellent chance of winning. The Senators have one of the louder buildings in the league, which can make it difficult for opposing teams to build momentum.
Why should you put your money on Tampa Bay?
The Lightning got off to a fairly slow start this season. However, they had a terrific January and a solid February and are now considered solid contenders to make it back to the Stanley Cup finals (although an amazing Washington Capitals team stands in their way). Their defense, which had been porous, is now up to #6 in the NHL (2.3 goals per game), and their offense, which had been spotty, is now up to #9 (2.7 goals per game). They still struggle a bit on the power play, but at even strength, this is one of the best teams in the East, and they have done well both at home and away.
I like the Lightning to keep their recent hot streak going and win in Ottawa, 3-1.