The Pittsburgh Penguins will attempt to take a 3-1 series stranglehold tonight in Tampa after winning Games 2 and 3 of the series. A Penguins win won’t come easy though as the Lightning are 10-1 in their last 11 games after consecutive losses. They’ve only lost three straight games once in 2016.
- The Lightning are 2-8 in their last 10 games as underdogs.
- Pittsburgh is 12-3 in its last 15 games on the road.
- Pittsburgh's HBK line (Hagelin, Bonino and Kessel) has combined for nine points in the series so far.
The Penguins were relentless in Game 3, outshooting the Lightning 48 to 28, which led the way for a 4-2 win. The Pens have given Lightning backup goaltender Andrei Vasilevski more than he can handle, as he’s faced 115 shots since taking over for Ben Bishop in Game 1. The 21-year-old is expected to be back in net tonight with Bishop listed as doubtful.
The Penguins opened the day as -148 favorites and have a handful of trends working in their favor. As road favorites, they’re on a run that’s seen them go a perfect 7-0 in their last seven games in that spot, and in their last 17 games with a day off in between games, they’re 16-1.
The total for the game sits at 5 goals, and hitting the OVER has become the norm in this matchup. The teams have gone OVER in 15 of their last 18 games against each other.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NHL betting line for this matchup, Tampa Bay sat as 185 underdogs over at Sportsbook. The total was set at 5 at Sportsbook but may move closer to puck drop.
Odds Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 3.5-2.1 win for the Lightning on Friday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Pittsburgh Penguins will look to vanquish their hosts on Friday, as they are 58-29-9 this season, while the Lightning are 55-34-6. Pittsburgh is 42-36-18 against the total, while Tampa Bay is 38-44-13 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Tampa Bay vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
This game puts the Tampa Bay Lightning, most recently No. 21 in the Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings, up against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who rate a No. 1 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Tampa Bay's No. 11-ranked offense, averaging 2.78 goals per game, against a Penguins defense that ranks No. 5 at 2.45 goals allowed. The Lightning power play is averaging 16.05% while the Penguins defense kills off 84.05% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Penguins were a 4-2 Sportsbook in their most recent outing on the road against the Lightning. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Pittsburgh at -124 on the moneyline, while the total score (6) was good news for OVER bettors.
- Pittsburgh is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games
- Pittsburgh is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games on the road
- Pittsburgh is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing Tampa Bay
- Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
- Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
- Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
- Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
- Tampa Bay is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Pittsburgh
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh home to Tampa Bay, Sunday, May 22nd
