Canadiens vs Lightning Prediction: NHL Experts Picks 3/21

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Game Preview: Lightning vs. Canadiens - NHL Matchup on March 21, 2023

The Montreal Canadiens will host the Tampa Bay Lightning at home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in a thrilling NHL matchup. The Canadiens come into the game with a losing streak at home and will be looking to end it with a win against the Lightning, who have had an impressive season so far. NHL picks experts, NHL picks computer systems, and NHL Today experts are already discussing the game and predicting who will come out as the winner. The Lightning have been performing exceptionally well this season, with a 42-23-6 record overall and ranking third in the Atlantic Division. Their record in Atlantic Division games is 11-8-1. They have also committed 314 total penalties to rank fourth in the league. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are currently eighth in the Atlantic Division with a 27-37-6 record overall and a 4-14-1 record against the Atlantic Division. The Canadiens have a 22-9-4 record when scoring three or more goals. This game will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, and the Lightning won the previous matchup 5-1. Cole Caufield has been the Canadiens' top performer with 26 goals and 10 assists. On the other hand, Brayden Point has been the standout player for the Lightning with 42 goals and 38 assists. NHL experts picks today, best NHL bets today, and NHL picks with a spread are all signaling a close game with plenty of points from both teams. The Canadiens have struggled in their last ten games, winning just one, and giving up an average of 4.3 goals per game. The Lightning perform better, with five wins in their last ten games and an average of three goals per game. NHL picks and parlays are already predicting that the Lightning will have an edge in this matchup. Although the Canadiens will be playing at home, they have a long list of injured players, including key players like Christian Dvorak, Carey Price, and Cole Caufield. The Lightning, on the other hand, have none listed on their injury list. Will the Canadiens finally end their losing streak, or will the Lightning take home the win? Only time will tell, but NHL predictions today indicate it'll be a thrilling game to watch.

Lightning: Offensive Analysis

When it comes to offensive firepower, the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the most dominant teams in the NHL. Led by top performers Brayden Point and Mikhail Sergachev, the Lightning have consistently ranked among the league's highest-scoring teams. While the Canadiens may be looking to end their five-game home skid, they face a daunting task in trying to contain the Lightning's potent offense. Even with a few key players out due to injury, the Lightning have shown that they have plenty of depth and scoring options to rely on. For those looking for NHL picks and predictions, it's no surprise that many experts and computer models will likely be favoring the Lightning in this matchup. With their impressive offensive capabilities and strong track record of success against the Canadiens, the Lightning are certainly a team to watch. Overall, the Lightning's ability to score quickly and consistently will be a major factor in this matchup. Whether it's through strong passing, hard shots on goal, or excellent puck movement, the Lightning have a variety of strategies they can utilize to keep the pressure on their opponents. For those looking to make the best NHL bets today, the Lightning's offensive prowess is certainly something to keep in mind.

Lightning: Defensive Analysis

The Tampa Bay Lightning enter their matchup against the Montreal Canadiens with a strong defensive record in recent games. While the Canadiens have struggled to score goals, the Lightning have given up an average of just 3.2 goals per game in their last 10 games. This bodes well for the Lightning as they try to secure a victory on the road. One key aspect of the Lightning's defensive strategy is their ability to limit penalties. While they rank fourth in the league in total penalties committed, they average just 4.4 per game, indicating a disciplined approach on the ice. This will be crucial against a Canadiens team that has struggled to convert on the power play lately. Additionally, the Lightning have a deep defensive core led by Mikhail Sergachev. His 11 assists in the last 10 games demonstrate his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a solid defensive presence. The Lightning will rely on him and the rest of the defensive group to shut down the Canadiens' offense and limit their chances. Overall, the Lightning have the strong defensive capability to limit the Canadiens' scoring opportunities and come out with a win. NHL picks experts and nhl computer picks indicate the Lightning as the favorite in the matchup, and their strong defensive performance will be a major factor in determining the outcome of the game.

Canadiens: Offense Analysis

The Montreal Canadiens have been struggling on the offensive end, scoring an average of just 3.2 goals over their past 10 games. Their top performer, Cole Caufield, has been out for the season with a shoulder injury, which has left a huge gap in their offense. As a result, the team has lost seven of their last 10 games, and they bring a five-game home losing streak into the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning, on the other hand, have an impressive 42-23-6 overall record and are averaging three goals per game over their last 10 games. Their top scorer, Brayden Point, has an impressive 42 goals and 38 assists for the season. The Canadiens will have a tough time containing the Lightning's offense, especially with their own scoring woes. NHL picks experts and computer predictions are favoring the Lightning in this matchup. The Canadiens will have to step up on the offensive end and find creative ways to score, as the Lightning have one of the best defenses in the league. NHL picks and parlays are predicting a lopsided victory for the Lightning. Overall, the Canadiens' offense will have to find a way to overcome their recent struggles if they want to have any chance of winning this game. With key players like Christian Dvorak, Brendan Gallagher, and Carey Price out with injuries, and Cole Caufield out for the season, they have a tough road ahead of them. Betting on the Lightning to win and covering the spread may be the best NHL picks for today.

Canadiens: Defensive Analysis

The Montreal Canadiens will host the Tampa Bay Lightning in a game that they hope will end their five-game home losing streak. The defensive strategy will be crucial for the Canadiens as they are up against one of the league's top teams. The Canadiens' defense has been struggling, allowing an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last ten games. They have also been giving up 10.5 penalty minutes per game, which is concerning as the Lightning boasts the fourth-highest number of penalties in the league. However, the Canadiens have shown that they can hold their own defensively, especially when they score three or more goals in a game. They have a 22-9-4 record in such games this season, which means they need their offense to step up to support their defense. Montreal has been dealing with several injuries, including key players like Carey Price, Brendan Gallagher, and Cole Caufield. The defense will need to step up to compensate for their absence if they hope to contain the Lightning's high-scoring offense. The Lightning's Brayden Point has been their top performer this season with an impressive 42 goals and 38 assists. The Canadiens' defense will need to focus on shutting him down and limiting his opportunities. In conclusion, the Canadiens' defense will be under a lot of pressure in this game, but they have shown that they can hold their own when their offense supports them. If they can limit the Lightning's chances and get their offense firing, they could potentially end their losing streak at home. However, they will need a strong defensive performance to do so against a tough opponent like the Lightning.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with a significant number of injuries heading into this matchup. The Canadiens have a lengthy list of injured players, including Christian Dvorak (lower body), Brendan Gallagher (lower body), Carey Price (knee), and Cole Caufield (shoulder), who is out for the season. In addition, several players are currently day-to-day, including Kaiden Guhle (lower body), Joel Armia (illness), and Jordan Harris (lower body). The Lightning, on the other hand, do not have any players listed on the injury report at this time. However, considering the physical nature of the game and the number of penalties they have committed this season, it is possible that they could have players dealing with minor injuries. Both teams will have to rely on their depth and versatility to make up for the absence of key players. It is unclear how these injuries will impact the outcome of the game, but it will certainly be a challenge for the Canadiens to break their five-game home losing streak in the face of so many injuries. As always, it is important to monitor injury updates and consult with NHL picks experts for their nhl picks and parlays, nhl picks with spread, and best nhl bets today before making any predictions or placing any bets.

Lightning vs. Canadiens Game Prediction

The Montreal Canadiens may have home-ice advantage, but their losing streak and injury list suggest that the odds are not in their favor. Despite the Lightning committing a high number of penalties, they have a much better overall record and have dominated the Canadiens in their previous three matchups this season.

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (Moneyline)

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