Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Lightning vs. Blue Jackets NHL Odds
Looking for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Lightning taking on the Blue Jackets on Thursday, April 28 at the Nationwide Arena. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey games all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions like this Tampa Bay Blue Jackets matchup.
(23-50-7) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (45-30-5)
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 8:07 PM ET
Venue: Nationwide Arena
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Lightning -275 Blue Jackets +225(Bet Now!)
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: Tampa Bay -1.5 -105 / Blue Jackets +1.5 -115
NHL Betting Total: O/U 6.5
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets face off on Thursday in an NHL showdown at Nationwide Arena. These two teams just faced off on Tuesday and the Lightning won 4-1. At the end of the first period the Lightning were winning 2-1, and added two more goals.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning come into this game with a 50-22-8 record overall and away from home they have gone 23-12-4. The Lightning have won four games in a row and the offense has been elite heading into this game. Just two games ago against the Florida Panthers, the offense scored eight goals on the way to the victory.
The Lightning are averaging 3.46 goals per game while giving up 2.74 goals per game. The offense is ranked eighth in the NHL while their defense is ranked 6th. In this game, the offense needs to be strong again.
Steven Stamkos has been the top player for Tampa Bay scoring 39 goals and adding another 62 assists. Victor Hedman is also having a strong season scoring 20 goals and adding 62 assists.
Columbus Blue Jackets
On the other side of this matchup is the Columbus Blue Jackets who sit with a 36-37-7 record overall and at home they have gone 20-15-5. The Blue Jackets are super banged up, and right now it’s all about next season.
Columbus is averaging 3.13 goals per game while giving up 3.63 goals per game. The offense is ranked 14th in the league while their defense is ranked 28th in the league. In this game the defense is going to need to be good.
One problem for Columbus is they don’t really have a star that they have leaned on. The best player for the Blue Jackets has been Jakub Voracek who has scored five goals and added 54 assists.
NHL Betting Trends:
- Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
- Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
- Blue Jackets are 0-4 in their last 4 Thursday games.
- Blue Jackets are 1-7 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
- Blue Jackets are 1-5 in their last 6 overall.
- Blue Jackets are 3-13 in their last 16 in the second game of a home-and-home situation.
Free Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Prediction
I expect the Blue Jackets offense is going to struggle again in this game, and that is going to be the difference in this game as the Lightning cruise to the victory. Look for Tampa Bay to score at least five goals, and they will win this game on the puck line.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Tampa Bay -1.5
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