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Lightning vs. Knights Prediction and Odds: Don't Buy-In to Vegas Hype

By Iain MacMillan

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights will play in a final game before the NHL pauses its season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights will play in a final game before the NHL pauses its season. / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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The NHL announced that they will put their season on pause until December 27th. One final game will be played before the break in action begins; an interconference matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vegas Golden Knights.

The two teams enter the game near the top of the odds list to win the Stanley Cup, and the Golden Knights have climbed all the way up the Pacific Division and now hold the top spot after a slow start to their 2021-22 campaign. Vegas has won five straight games heading into tonight's showdown.

Meanwhile, the Lightning can grab sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with a win tonight, surpassing the Maple Leafs who they're currently tied with at 42 points each.

Here are the odds for the game, courtesy of WynnBET.

Lightning vs. Golden knights Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Lightning +112
  • Golden Knights -125

Puck line:

  • Lightning +1.5 (-215)
  • Golden Knights -1.5 (+170)

Total:

  • 5.5 (Over -120/Under +100)

Lightning vs. Golden Knights Betting Trends

  • Lightning are 7-1 in their last eight games.
  • The UNDER is 4-1 in the Lightning's last five games.
  • Golden Knights are 4-2 in their last six games vs. Lightning.
  • The OVER is 5-2 in the Golden Knight's last seven games.
  • Golden Knights are 9-3 in their last 12 home games.

Lightning vs. Golden Knights Prediction and Pick

The Golden Knights may have climbed to the top of the weak Pacific Division, but I'm still not convinced that they belong in the discussion of the top teams in the NHL. Vegas is still giving up the third most high danger scoring chances in the NHL, with only the Flyers and Red Wings allowing more. That's not a recipe for long term success.

Meanwhile, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions are fifth in high danger scoring chances against, while also ranking fourth in offensive high danger scoring chances.

There are very few times that I'm not going to take the Lightning when they're set as underdogs, and tonight's game is not an exception to that rule.

Pick: Lightning +112

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