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Ducks vs. Lightning Prediction and Odds (Tampa Bay Needs a Bounce Back Game at Home)

By Matt De Saro

Tampa Bay Lightning v Washington Capitals
Tampa Bay Lightning v Washington Capitals / Patrick Smith/GettyImages
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The Tampa Bay Lightning kick off a five-game homestand tonight against the Anaheim Ducks. It is the longest homestand for the Lightning this year and comes at a perfect time for TB. This is because the Lightning are jockeying with the Boston Bruins for the third spot in the Atlantic Division. They currently hold a slim one-point lead over the Bruins and I am sure they intend to keep that lead. 

The Ducks, meanwhile, have already been eliminated from playoff contention and have nothing but pride to play for tonight. But, after losing their last seven games in a row, pride might not even be an option anymore. They are playing spoiler and that is about it. The problem is, the Ducks don’t have the depth to hang with Tampa Bay. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Ducks vs. Lightning Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Ducks +290
  • Lightning -380

Puck line:

  • Ducks +1.5 (+115)
  • Lightning -1.5 (-140)

Total:

  • 6 (Over +100/Under -115)

Ducks vs. Lightning Prediction and Pick

A quick glance at the odds for this game shows us that the bookmakers expect this to be a cakewalk for the Lightning. I can’t say I totally agree. While the Ducks are on an extended losing streak, it should be noted that Tamba Bay is playing awful down the stretch. They are 1-5 in their last six games and are coming off a shutout loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

Furthermore, the Lightning offense has scored five goals just once since the start of April and is averaging just 2.5 goals per game this month. I am not saying that the Ducks are a better team because they absolutely aren’t. But, I do think that the Lightning are worse than their current ranking suggests. 

Despite all this, I still find myself very against the idea of betting the Ducks here. It feels like a good spot for the Lightning to bounce back after a tepid month and a disappointing night in Dallas. 

Lean: Lightning -1.5 (-140)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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