Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning will look to make a statement when they host Johnny Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames in a matchup of elite title contenders that looks like a thriller just waiting to happen. Will the Lightning hold down the fort at home to extend their winning ways or will Calgary snap out of their ‘mini-funk’ to get the big road upset? Let’s find out right now.
Flames vs Lightning NHL Betting Odds, Prediction & Pick
Get prepped for tonight’s tilt in Tampa with our 5 Things feature!#CGYvsTBL | #Flames https://t.co/olJFFcjtep
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) 12 de febrero de 2019
- When: Tuesday February 12, 2019 at 7:30 PM ET
- Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
- TV: ATTSN
- Radio: Calgary / Tampa Bay
- Live Stream: NHL League Pass
- NHL Odds: Calgary +135/ Tampa Bay -156 / Total: 6.5
Why Bet On Calgary?
Why should you consider backing the Flames in this matchup? Because they have a highly effective offense that averages a stellar 3.7 goals per game to rank second in all of hockey. Then, there’s the fact that Calgary also have a fine defense that limits the opposition to just 2.9 goals per game to rank an encouraging ninth in goals allowed. Last but not least, the Flames should also be quite motivated after dropping two straight and three of their last four games including a 4-3 shootout loss at Vancouver on Saturday.
“Frustrated, right?” Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic said afterward. “You need these points at this time of the year. It’s a grind, right? So every point matters and teams are close, things are tight. We thought it was a pretty good game on our part. We carried a lot of the play, but we just couldn’t get it.”
Team Statistics
Offense- Goals: 3.67
- Shots: 32.16
- PP/PK Percentage: 22.34
- Goals: 2.93
- Shots: 29.09
- PP/PK Percentage: 20.45
Why Bet On Tampa Bay?
Why should you consider backing the Lightning in this intriguing affair? There are a bunch of great reasons, starting with the fact that Tampa Bay is ranked first in scoring by putting up a stupendous 3.8 goals per game. Then, there’s the fact that the Lightning are also the better defensive team in this one as they limit the opposition to just 2.8 goals per game to rank sixth in goals allowed. Last but not least, Tampa Bay is playing well and they have more talent on their roster than Calgary.
The Flames have won two straight and four of their last six games including a convincing 5-2 win over Florida on Sunday. Nikita Kucherov, the league’s scoring leader at this point, snapped an 11-game goalless streak by scoring twice to lead the way to victory.
“Listen, you go through ups and downs in a season,” Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos told reporters. “Kuch is going to be Kuch. That’s why we have other guys on our team step up when you go through a little spurt like that. But it happens to the best of players. We weren’t too worried. This will really get him going again.”
Team Statistics
Offense- Goals: 3.88
- Shots: 32.52
- PP/PK Percentage: 29.28
- Goals: 2.79
- Shots: 32.38
- PP/PK Percentage: 15
Flames vs Lightning NHL Betting Trends
- Calgary is 0-5 ATS in the last 5 games
- Calgary is 9-4 SU in the last 13 games
- The total went OVER in 11 of Calgary’s last 12 games
- Tampa Bay is 1-6 ATS in the last 7 games
- Tampa Bay is 16-6 SU in the last 22 games
- The total went UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay’s last 11 games
Expert Analysis and Prediction for Flames vs Lightning
Don’t get it twisted, Calgary is quite good and were they playing anyone else, I’d say the Flames would almost certainly be the pick to win and cash in. However, they’re playing a Tampa Bay team that is just a bit better than they are at both ends of the ice, not to mention they’re playing on the road in this one.
The Flames are 3-11 in their last 14 road games against a team with a home winning percentage higher than .600 while Tampa Bay has gone an insane 45-11 in their last 56 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200 and 11-3 in their last 14 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
With the Lightning also going 13-6 in their last 19 games against the Flames, I’m going to advise you to back Tampa Bay to get it done in a thriller!
NHL Betting Pick: Tampa Bay 4 Calgary 3
