2011 NHL Hockey Free Predictions: Lightning vs Bruins – Eastern Conference Finals
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NHL Playoff Betting – Lightning vs Bruins Game 1 Preview & Pick
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Broadcast: Versus, CBC
Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins Betting Lines from Bookmaker.com
Money Line: Bruins -150, Lightning +120
Spread: Bruins -1.5
Over/Under: 5.5
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You know what I love about handicapping Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final? None of the clichés apply.
“Team A might be soft after cruising to a sweep in the last round and having a long layoff.” Both the Lighting and Bruins swept their opponents.
“Team A has a hot goalie that could baffle Team B in Game 1.” Dwayne Roloson, meet Tim Thomas. Crazy old vet, meet crazy old vet. Neither team has a goaltending edge.
“Team A’s checking forwards will give Team B fits.” Both teams have superb checkers and agitators. For every Steve Downie on Tampa there’s a Brad Marchand on Boston.
That makes Game 1 a pretty challenging bet, doesn’t it? Some sharps will immediately pounce on Tampa. After all, the Lightning have made some people rich by repeatedly winning as underdogs in these playoffs. Also, Patrice Bergeron (concussion) is doubtful for Game 1. It’s a massive blow to the Bruins; Bergeron leads the team in points and leads all NHLers in faceoff percentage in the playoffs.
But I’m not ready to crown the Lightning the victor just yet. Remember, they have injury woes of their own. Pavel Kubina’s concussion looks like it will keep him out of Game 1. Simon Gagne (concussion) could return but can we count on him being effective? Same goes for Ryan Malone, who may not may not be 100 per cent coming back from a shoulder injury. 
I think the Bruins will be better prepared for Tampa than many teams think. They got their scare out of their system in round one against Montreal. They’ve regained their confidence at home and their power play is starting to heat up. Zdeno Chara found his point shot and busted out with a two-goal game during the Philly series.
The Lightning don’t fare well in Beantown for whatever reason. They lost both trips to the TD Garden in the regular season and were outscored 10-2. They’re 3-18-4 over their last 25 games at Boston. Ouch.
I definitely expect a long, back-and-forth series, but I think Tampa, not Boston, is the team that will have to make an adjustment after Game 1. Star forwards like Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos haven’t faced a bruising defense corps like Boston’s in these playoffs. How will they respond?
Lightning vs Bruins prediction: Bruins 2, Lightning 0
Money Line: Bruins -150
Spread: Bruins -1.5
Over/Under: UNDER 5.5
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