Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we analyze matchups, drop some stats, and attempt to predict the future with a goalie’s confidence in a shootout. Today’s clash features the Tampa Bay Lightning versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. While this may not be a heated rivalry like some others, it still has all the ingredients for an entertaining contest. This game features elite offensive talent, unpredictable defence, and the potential for goalie meltdowns. The Lightning roll into Columbus looking to start a new winning streak, while the Blue Jackets want to remind people they still play hockey. Will Tampa’s offensive firepower zap Columbus, or can the Blue Jackets pull off an upset? Let’s break it down.
NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Season Head to Head: Lightning 1-1 Blue Jackets
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+
Tampa Bay’s offence has been humming like an over-caffeinated Zamboni. The Lightning have the firepower to put this game away early. If they allow Columbus to hang around, things could get unnecessarily stressful. The Lightning’s power play has been lethal, clicking at an elite rate. Against a Blue Jackets team that tends to take bad penalties, Tampa Bay can put this away during the National Anthem. The Brick Wall, Andrei Vasilevskiy, remains Tampa’s ultimate gamebreaker. If he’s locked in, Columbus will have a tough time. The Blue Jackets generate most of their chances off broken plays, so Vasy will need to stay sharp. If he sees the puck well, Tampa Bay send Columbus off on a cruise without victory.
Blue Jackets and their Keys to Victory
Let’s be honest, Columbus is outgunned in this matchup. Their best bet is to clog up the neutral zone, limit Tampa Bay’s ability to generate speed through transition and shut the lights off a few times when they don’t have the puck.
Goaltending needs to be elite. If Elvis Merzļikins plays the hero between the pipes, Tampa Bay’s top scorers may miss opportunities. A 40-save performance wouldn’t be shocking. Columbus isn’t going to generate as many scoring opportunities as Tampa Bay, so they need to make their shots count. If they can get a few greasy goals and frustrate the Lightning, they might steal one.
NHL Predictions and Just Who Has the Edge?
This game feels like a mismatch. Tampa Bay has the superior offense, goaltending, special teams and at least four more players with better beards. However, Columbus could make things interesting if they slow the game down and get standout goaltending. In the end, Tampa’s firepower will be too much for Columbus to handle. Expect a strong showing from Kucherov and company. Tampa Bay’s offensive talent and goaltending give them a significant edge in this matchup. Expect a fast-paced contest with plenty of Tampa Bay highlight-reel moments, and possibly a few Blue Jackets fans questioning what else was on TV tonight.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
Top Prop Bets for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets featuring the following.
- Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal (+100 to +150 odds)
- Kucherov scoring is about as inevitable as a questionable icing call in the third period.
Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 27.5 Saves (-120 odds) - Columbus will likely get outshot, meaning Vasilevskiy should rack up plenty of saves. Betting on him to surpass 27.5 saves seems like a safe bet.
- Brayden Point Over 0.5 Power Play Points (+120 odds)
- Point is a key cog in Tampa’s deadly power play. If the Lightning get multiple chances with the man advantage, expect him to either set up a goal, score one himself or steal someone’s point off the scoresheet.
Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions March 4th Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.