The 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin in Tampa Bay as the Lightning host the Detroit Red Wings in the first of three games Wednesday night.
Online shop Sportsbook is presently offering the Lightning at -160 in the series opener while the Wings come in at +130. The total is tabbed at 5 with OVER priced at -105 and UNDER currently -125.
The Bolts have injury issues as captain and leading goal scorer Steven Stamkos is sidelined 1-3 months with a type of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Anton Stralman is out with a broken leg. Tyler Johnson, who practiced Tuesday, is a game-time decision while Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov look to be ready to suit up.
The two teams split four regular season meetings but it was the Lightning that prevailed in the two most recent contests; both of which were in Tampa. The Lightning won 6-2 in the most recent matchup back on March 22 courtesy a pair of goals from Erik Condra.
Ben Bishop has been excellent throughout his career versus the Wings. The Bolts’ netminder has gone 9-4 with a microscopic 1.71 goals against average and .935 save percentage in 14 career appearances against Detroit. Bishop started all four games this season and despite the two losses, has posted an insanely good 1.77 GAA.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to back the visiting Detroit Red Wings before puck drop in this match found them as -125 moneyline favorites at Sportsbook. They saw an Sportsbook total of 5, according to Sportsbook.
A 3.7-1.7 result in favor of the Red Wings is the prediction by the Odds Shark handicapping pick engine. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Detroit Red Wings vs Tampa Bay Lightning Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Detroit Red Wings will try to spoil to the party on Wednesday; they are 41-30-11 this season, while the Lightning are 46-31-5. Detroit is 31-36-15 on the totals; Tampa Bay is 34-39-9. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Tampa Bay vs Detroit injuries news.
The Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings have the Tampa Bay Lightning at No. 21 and the Detroit Red Wings at No. 10 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Tampa Bay's No. 13-ranked offense, averaging 2.77 goals per game, against a Red Wings defense that ranks No. 17 at 2.73 goals allowed. The Lightning power play is averaging 15.77% while the Red Wings defense kills off 81.72% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Detroit lost its last outing, a 3-2 result against the Rangers on April 09. Bettors who backed the Rangers at +122 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (5) sent PUSH bettors to the payout window.
Tampa Bay was a 5-2 loser in its last match on the road against the Canadiens. They lost as +103 underdogs, while the total score of 7 made Sportsbooks of OVER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Detroit at Tampa Bay, Friday, April 15th