NHL Picks: Can Tampa Bay Get Going?
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The NHL has just four games on Friday night, with two involving all-American teams. Tampa Bay heads to Columbus to play the Blue Jackets, while the Carolina Hurricanes head west to face the San Jose Sharks.
We will make this quick to get you ready for your NHL betting.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets
One game into the 2022-23 NHL season, Columbus is already worrying about a significant injury. Patrik Laine figures to be out for several weeks after hurting his elbow in the season opener. Laine is out for tonight’s game.
Tampa Bay looked outright slow against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Even Brayden Point appeared indecisive with the puck as the Lightning sputtered their way to a 3-1 loss. If not for Andrei Vasilevskiy, that game may have been 7-1 or 8-1. Tampa and Columbus are both on the front end of a back-to-back scenario.
That means keeping an eye on who starts in goal. Both teams could get a few more shots on the net. Columbus allowed more than 36 shots a game after the All-Star Break. Tampa had just 26, and ten of those came in the third period on Tuesday night.
The Over is just 6.0 at -120. That has connected five straight times in Columbus, with the favorite winning five of the six games. These two teams do know each other well.
For this game, sports bettors can look for other options. The Lightning should be able to get their Nikita Kucherov-Steven Stamkos-Brayden Point line on track. Do not be surprised if they strike for at least one power-play goal. Columbus expects to be closer to the bottom of the division because of their team's defense and goaltending. Scoring to be scored on will happen often.
Tampa Bay in regulation at -115 could be one wager to make. Watch the shot and player props here. So, a single-game parlay involving the Over at 5.5 goals and Tampa winning by 2+ goals is going for +240. That has value.
Carolina Hurricanes at San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are another year older, but Mike Grier is stuck with most of a roster that is best described as old meets new in a not-so-good way. Meanwhile, there are the Carolina Hurricanes who come to town.
Thankfully this is not on the level of Pittsburgh playing Arizona on Thursday night. That was a fantastic haul as Sidney Crosby scored first at +1100. Then, there was the Penguins moneyline, anytime Crosby and Guentzel goals, and the Over of 6.5, all for +450. That cashed. Even taking the Over out was still +340.
This game is a little different, but Carolina is familiar with who the Hurricanes are facing in goal. James Reimer was part of the Hurricanes for two seasons. It will be interesting to see how they approach him this time around. Carolina split the meetings last year as both teams combined for just six goals in the two games.
That may be less likely tonight. Reimer yielded just three goals in those meetings last year, but he gave up three goals on 31 shots against Nashville last week. Carolina, in regulation at -130, gets a little value over the -210 Moneyline. The Sebastian Aho anytime goal prop started at +150. It may back down to +130 tonight. Lean toward Carolina in regulation.
Good luck, and do not forget to look at our NHL previews and much more.
All odds today come from BetMGM Sportsbook.
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