Lightning vs. Islanders Prediction and Odds (Back Slumping Tampa Bay to Get Back on Track)
If you're looking for some afternoon sports betting action on top of March Madness, look no further than the NHL Eastern Conference matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders.
The Lightning have stumbled in recent weeks, going just 4-6 in their last 10 games which has caused them to fall down to third in the Atlantic Division. Their playoff berth is all but locked up, but they still need to battle to secure the best possible seed.
Meanwhile, the Islanders are all but eliminated, but they've been hot as of late, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.
Here are the odds via WynnBET for this afternoon's Eastern Conference showdown.
Lightning vs. Islanders Odds and Total
Moneyline:
- Lightning -160
- Islanders +140
Puck line:
- Lightning -1.5 (+175)
- Islanders +1.5 (-200)
Total:
5.5 (Over +1.5/Under -125)
Lightning vs. Islanders Betting Trends
- The UNDER is 8-0 in the Lightning's last eight games.
- Lightning are 5-2 in last seven games vs. Islanders.
- The OVER is 12-6 in the Islander's last 18 games.
- Islanders are 6-0 in their last six home games.
Lightning vs. Islanders Prediction and Pick
How these two teams have fared in recent weeks may make you sway towards the Islanders as home underdogs this afternoon, but a slump doesn't mean that the Lightning aren't the far superior hockey team. Their poor recent record is largely due to a tough schedule, with games against the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins.
The Islanders style of play relies on strong defense, but the reason for their woes this season has been that they rank just 13th in high danger scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes. It's going to be tough to beat a Lightning team that excels in both ends of the ice.
It's either Lightning or night for me in this one.
Lean: Lightning -160
Iain is 52-48-2 (+1.74 units) with his NHL picks in 2022. Check out his detailed record here.