After dominating Game 1, the Boston Bruins probably did not anticipate that going into Game 4 vs the Tampa Bay Lightning they would be down 2-1 in the series. But after a 4-1 Game 3 loss, the Bruins will need to regroup and try to even the series tonight to avoid going back to Tampa in a 3-1 hole. Boston has won nine of its last 13 games vs the Lightning and should be optimistic that home-ice advantage will play in its favor as oddsmakers opened the Bruins as -145 faves to get the victory.
- The total has gone OVER in six of the Lightning’s last eight games vs their division on the road.
- The Lightning are 4-15 SU in their last 19 games on the road vs the Bruins.
- Boston is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games at home.
The Lightning struck quickly in Game 3, going up 2-0 within five minutes of the first period. The second line of Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Brayden Point has been the driving force for the Bolts in these playoffs as opposing teams’ top lines focus on studs Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos. As a result, the second line has been providing timely supplementary offense for the Lightning as they’ve combined for 11 goals and 21 points in eight games. Playing on the road hasn’t seemed to faze the Lightning lately as they’re 8-4 SU in their last 12 away games and as an underdog are 7-3 SU in 10 games this year.
The Bruins, on the other hand, were stout defensively during the regular season but in these playoffs they’re allowing over three goals per game, which ranks seventh among remaining teams in the postseason. Goaltender Tuukka Rask has allowed 27 goals over the last six games and Boston’s record has suffered, going 2-4 SU. Although the Bruins have played poorly these last two games, the majority of recent trends point to a Boston victory as the Bruins are 13-4 SU in their last 17 games as home favorites and are 7-0 SU in their last seven games in their barn after losing their most recent home game.
The total opened at 6 and the OVER may be the best option for totals bettors. Both of these teams are averaging over 3.5 goals per game and the OVER has hit in three of Boston’s last four games at home with an average combined score of 8.25 goals per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Tampa Bay Lightning opened as +123 moneyline underdogs in this one at most online sportsbooks tracked at OddsShark, including Sportsbook. The total opened at 6 for those preferring OVER/UNDER betting; watch for the line updates during the day at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 3.6-2.2 win for the Lightning. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Tampa Bay Lightning will look to vanquish their hosts on Friday, as they are 60-25-5 this season, while the Bruins are 55-25-12. Tampa Bay is 53-34-3 against the total, while Boston is 41-45-6 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Boston vs Tampa Bay injuries news.
The OddsShark NHL Power Rankings have the Bruins at No. 2 and the Lightning at No. 10 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Boston Bruins' No. 5-ranked offense (3.32 goals per game) against a Tampa Bay Lightning defense that ranks No. 11 at 2.86 goals per game allowed. The Bruins power play has clicked at a 24.56% rate while the Lightning have a 76.29% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last action, Tampa Bay was a 4-1 Sportsbook on the road against the Bruins. Bettors on Tampa Bay at +141 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well.
- Tampa Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
- Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- Tampa Bay is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 16 of Tampa Bay's last 24 games on the road
- Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
- Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
- Boston is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
- Boston is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Tampa Bay home to Boston, Sunday, May 6
