The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, but that could spell some doom for them Tuesday when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning are just 1-8 in their last nine games without a day's rest.
The Lightning are middling this season with their offense sputtering. Tampa has averaged just 2.32 goals per game this season and only Steven Stamkos has more than 20 points so far on the season. Tampa’s wins have come thanks to their defense as they have allowed the fewest goals per game in the NHL this season.
It seems like the Leafs are back to Jonathan Bernier in net after the goaltender went 3-0-1 with a .948 save percentage in four games in the AHL. Bernier has been terrible with the big club this season as he is just 0-8-1 with a 3.28 GAA in the NHL.
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Maple Leafs sit at 10-13-5 on the season; in comparison, the Tampa Bay Lightning are currently 15-13-3. Looking to wager on the totals? Toronto is 11-15-2 OU, and Tampa Bay is 8-18-5 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Toronto vs Tampa Bay injuries news.
The Toronto Maple Leafs sit at No. 19 in the current NHL power poll here at Odds Shark, while the Tampa Bay Lightning sit at a No. 21 on the same chart.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Toronto Maple Leafs No. 28-ranked offense (2.29 goals per game) against a Tampa Bay Lightning defense that ranks No. 3 at 2.23 goals per game allowed. The Maple Leafs Sportsbook has clicked at a 18.82% rate while the Lightning have a 78.49% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Tampa Bay was a 2-1 Sportsbook in its last match on the road against the Blue Jackets. They won as -124 underdogs, while the total score of 3 made Sportsbooks of UNDER bettors.
Toronto was a 3-2 Sportsbook in its last match at home against the Devils. They won as favorites, while the total score of 5 made Sportsbooks of PUSH bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Tampa Bay at Washington, Friday, December 18th
Toronto home to San Jose, Thursday, December 17th