Lightning vs Golden Knights Prediction, March 9, 2023

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

The Vegas Golden Knights are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. With both teams coming off impressive seasons, this game is a crucial opportunity for them to continue building on their successes. The Golden Knights, with a 38-20-6 record, currently occupy the top spot in the Pacific Division, while the Lightning, with a 38-21-5 record, sit in third place in the Atlantic Division.

For the Golden Knights, this game represents a chance to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the league. Their consistent performance throughout the season has made them a formidable opponent for any team they face. Meanwhile, the Lightning are looking to climb higher in the standings and prove that they are a legitimate threat to make a deep playoff run.

This game between two top teams in their respective divisions is sure to be an intense and thrilling showdown. Both teams have a lot on the line, and the outcome of this game could have significant implications for the rest of the season. As the puck drops, fans around the league will be eagerly watching to see which team comes out on top.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are another team having a successful season, currently sitting in third place in the Atlantic Division with a 38-21-5 record. The Lightning's success can largely be attributed to their high-powered offense, which is averaging 3.37 goals per game, the second-best mark in the NHL.

The Lightning's offense is led by a trio of star forwards in Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos, and Nikita Kucherov, who have combined for 76 goals and 102 assists this season. Additionally, the Lightning have received solid contributions from their second line, which features Ondrej Palat, Anthony Cirelli, and Alex Killorn, who have combined for 46 goals and 55 assists.

The Lightning's offense has been especially potent on the power play, where they're converting at a league-best rate of 28.9%. Victor Hedman has been the catalyst for the Lightning's power play success, leading all NHL defensemen with 32 power play points.

While the Lightning's offense has been impressive, their defense has been somewhat of a weakness this season. They're allowing 3.01 goals per game, which ranks in the bottom half of the league. However, the Lightning have made some moves to improve their defense at the trade deadline, acquiring veteran defenseman Alec Martinez from the Vegas Golden Knights.

In goal, the Lightning have received strong play from Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has a .923 save percentage and a 2.34 goals-against average on 1443 shots faced this season. His 27 wins this season rank second in the NHL, and he has recorded six shutouts. Vasilevskiy is a three-time Vezina Trophy finalist and has been one of the best goaltenders in the league over the past few seasons. His ability to make game-changing saves and keep the Lightning in close games has been instrumental to the team's success.

Overall, the Lightning have a well-rounded team with strong goaltending, a potent offense, and a solid defense. Their depth and versatility make them a difficult team to play against, and they have the ability to win games in different ways.

Injuries could play a factor in this game for the Lightning, as key players like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point are dealing with injuries. However, the team has shown that they have the depth to step up and compete, as they have managed to stay near the top of their division despite the injuries.

Overall, this matchup between the Golden Knights and the Lightning promises to be an exciting one, with both teams having strong offenses and defenses. The game could come down to which team can take advantage of their special teams opportunities, as both teams have solid power play and penalty kill units. With two talented goaltenders in Fleury and Vasilevskiy, it's likely that the game will be a low-scoring affair.

Las Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights are in the midst of another strong season, currently sitting in first place in the Pacific Division with a 38-20-6 record. Their success can largely be attributed to their strong defensive play, as they have allowed just 2.75 goals per game, the fourth-best mark in the NHL.

While the Golden Knights' offense has certainly contributed to their success, it's the defense that has truly carried the team this season. The team's top two lines of Chandler Stephenson, Jack Eichel, and Reilly Smith have been prolific, combining for 56 goals and 85 assists. But the rest of the offense has also stepped up, with Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, and Phil Kessel contributing 41 goals and 67 assists.

However, it's the play of the team's defensemen that has truly set them apart. Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore have been offensive catalysts from the point, combining for 16 goals and 54 assists, while also providing solid defensive play. Brayden McNabb and Theodore have been stalwarts on the back end, combining for 7.6 defensive point shares and 219 blocked shots. Meanwhile, Alec Martinez, Pietrangelo, and Nicolas Hague have added depth to the unit, combining for 9.0 defensive point shares.

In goal, Adin Hill has been exceptional, boasting a .916 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average on 729 shots faced. Hill has been especially effective in high-danger situations, stopping 86.6% of shots faced in those scenarios, which ranks in the top 10 among goaltenders with at least 20 games played.

The Golden Knights' defensive prowess has been on full display in their last four games, during which they've allowed just 10 goals. This kind of consistent defensive play will be crucial for the team as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Overall, the Golden Knights' success this season can largely be attributed to their defensive play, which has been among the best in the league. While the offense has certainly contributed, it's the defense that has truly carried the team and will be key to their success down the stretch.

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games.

Tampa Bay are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games.

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games on the road.

The total has gone OVER in 15 of Tampa Bay's last 20 games when playing on the road against Las Vegas.

Tampa Bay are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.

Las Vegas are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.

The total has gone OVER in 14 of Las Vegas's last 20 games against Tampa Bay.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Las Vegas's last 6 games at home.

The total has gone OVER in 15 of Las Vegas's last 20 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay.

Prediction

This game has all the makings of a closely contested matchup between two of the top teams in the NHL. The Golden Knights have been carried by their defense, while the Lightning have a strong offense and goaltending. Both teams have strong special teams, with the Golden Knights boasting the fourth-ranked power play and the Lightning having the second-ranked penalty kill.

While the Golden Knights have been strong defensively, the Lightning's offense will present a tough challenge. However, with Adin Hill playing well in net, the Golden Knights have the ability to limit the Lightning's scoring chances and keep the game close. On the other end of the ice, the Lightning will need to solve the Golden Knights' defense and Adin Hill to come away with a win.

Given the strengths of both teams, it is likely that this game will be a low-scoring affair. The under 6 goals is a solid bet, and the game could very well be decided by a single goal. The Golden Knights have been playing well recently, but the Lightning are a tough team to beat, especially on their home ice. Ultimately, this game could go either way, but the Lightning have the slight edge with their home-ice advantage and strong overall play this season.

PICK: Under 6 (-110)

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