Boston vs Tampa Bay Pro Hockey OddsTampa Bay Lightning,

If you regularly watch professional sports, you are already probably well aware that it is the teams that close out the season on a hot streak that tend to go deep in the playoffs. This is particularly true in sports with long season, like the 82-game slog that is the NHL. Going on a hot streak in December is nice, but hitting a roll in March usually tells you that you are looking at a team that is shaping up nicely for the postseason. If that is indeed the case, then we all need to be keeping an eye out for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They are the hottest team in hockey right now, and are becoming increasingly more difficult to beat. The Boston Bruins are the next team up for Tampa Bay, and as good as the Lightning have been, this still represents a very tough challenge. If you think the Lightning can keep their hot streak going, why not try to cash a winning ticket with the NHL online betting lines.

Boston Bruins vs Tampa Bay Lightning Pro Hockey Odds

When: Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 PM EST Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa TV: TVA Radio: WBZ-FM and WFLA NHL Odds: TBA  

Why bet on the Boston Bruins

The Bruins (36-23-7) have been a fun team to watch this season, as their games very often turn into offensive tussles that end with a lot of goals being scored. The Bruins are in the top 3 in scoring this season, but their defensive woes are what must have them more than a little anxious. They are well aware that it is generally defense and goaltending that wins championships in this league, and the Bruins are lacking in both right now. There is still some time to get that sorted out before the postseason begins, assuming of course that they can make it into the playoffs, which looks like a pretty good bet right now. This game will be a good test of just how well the defense can stack up against an offensively gifted team. Boston are averaging 3.0 GPG, and are giving up 2.7 GPG.

Why bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning

As I mentioned at the start of this piece, there is no team in the NHL hotter than the Tampa Bay Lightning (39-22-4) right now. They have won 9-straight games, and have surged their way to the top of the Atlantic Division. This was a team that went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last year, before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks. There were some doubts as to whether they could repeat that run, especially with the Steven Stamkos contract talks stalling in the preseason. That has proven not to be a distraction, and the Lightning are once again looking like one of the teams to beat in the East. Tampa Bay are averaging 2.8 GPG, and are giving up 2.3 GPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Lightning have taken 2 of 3 from the Boston Bruins this season, and the way they are playing right now suggests they should get their 3rd win. If this comes down to a battle of defenses, the Lightning will take it hands down.

Boston Bruins 2 Tampa Bay Lightning 5