A playoff berth is on the line when the Tampa Bay Lightning visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. At least for Tampa Bay, that is. After sweeping the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Lightning managed to hang on to their third-place rank within the Central Division. And with a win over the Blackhawks on Tuesday, Tampa Bay will clinch a spot in the postseason. Let’s take a look at what the NHL odds are expecting ahead of this Tuesday night pairing.
Lightning vs Blackhawks
When: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: United Center, Chicago
TV: Local Broadcasts
Stream: NHL TV, ESPN+
NHL Odds: Lightning -190, Blackhawks +165
Quick business trip to Chicago! ⚡️#TBLvsCHI: https://t.co/jBL7pvs339 pic.twitter.com/pkFQcg1IOy
Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 27, 2021
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting
The Tampa Bay Lightning dash into this Central rivalry with a 32-14-2 (66 points) record that, as mentioned, ranks them third in the division and gives them an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot. Tuesday’s odds are fully expecting them to get it done, which isn’t surprising after seeing how Tampa Bay handled the Blue Jackets. In a two-game series, the Lightning outscored Columbus 7-4 and will look to extend that win streak in Chicago. However, the Bolts just got done playing six straight at home and will have to adjust to life on the road once again.
Fortunately for Tampa Bay, the Blackhawks shouldn’t pose too much of a challenge – even when playing at home. Chicago pales in comparison to Tampa Bay, both on offense and defense. The Lightning are scoring 3.31 goals per game while giving up 2.58 to their opponents. The Blackhawks are only scoring 2.77 per game while giving up 3.10 goals.
Players to Watch: Victor Hedman (48 GP, 9 G, 35 A), Brayden Point (48 GP, 20 G, 22 A), and Ondrej Palat (48 GP, 14 G, 28 A).
Chicago Blackhawks Betting
The Chicago Blackhawks slide into this Tuesday’s contest sporting a meager 22-21-5 record that nets them a disappointing 49 points. Although not completely eliminated from the playoffs, Chicago is currently facing a 2.8% chance to make the postseason.
Playoff chances over the past fortnight. pic.twitter.com/vzV6RfNMgN
Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) April 26, 2021
The franchise is focusing on the upcoming draft and next year’s success. Management chose to sell before the recent trade deadline, acquiring a couple of picks for the draft. The Blackhawks also traded away the likes of Carl Soderberg and Mattias Janmark, electing to trim some veterans and make room for youth. While this gives them some hope for the future, it doesn’t help them out much against Tampa Bay.
Players to Watch: Patrick Kane (48 GP, 15 G, 43 A), Alex DeBrincat (44 GP, 23 G, 21 A), and Dominik Kubalik (48 GP, 15 G, 30 A).
Lightning vs Blackhawks Prediction
It’s pretty clear that the Lightning will get the win in Chicago tonight. Look for Tampa Bay to pick up their third straight win as they secure their spot in this year’s NHL postseason.
Score: Tampa Bay 5, Chicago 2
Now, as to what line to bet here. The moneyline is pretty lopsided, the totals aren’t giving much and the odds on the team totals aren’t that great, either. For that reason, taking the Lightning’s puck line offers the best value. However, there are still better odds on the table if we make a parlay here. The best parlay ahead of Tuesday’s NHL betting lineup involves taking the Lightning against the spread, taking the New York Rangers straight up over the Buffalos Sabres and, lastly, taking the Flyers over 3½ on the Team Totals line. This combination nets you slightly over +500 odds. The Sabres are 1-3 in their last 4 and are coming off a 6-3 routing ahead of the Rangers. Similarly the Flyers are coming off a 4-3 win over the Devils and will score 4 or more tonight against New Jersey.
