Minnesota At Tampa Bay Odds, Betting Pick & TV Info

What a team does in the past is no guarantee of future success in the NHL. We routinely see teams make great runs in the playoffs, only to end up missing the postseason entirely in the next season. The last two season have seen the Tampa Bay Lightning lose in the Stanley Cup Final, followed by a loss in the Eastern Conference Final. The belief was that it would likely be more of the same this year, but they have struggled, and are currently sitting outside of the playoff standings. They are starting to make a bit of a push and have more than enough time to get back into the thick of it. This Thursday will serve as a good measuring stick for where they currently stand, as they will be welcoming in the Minnesota Wild, a team that just happens to be in possession of the best record in the Western Conference. A win for the Lightning in this one may serve as jut the boost they need for a final playoff push. Find the updated NHL betting spreads here.

Analyzing The Minnesota Wild At Tampa Bay Lightning Odds, Betting Pick & TV Info

When: Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 PM ESTWhere: Amalie Arena, Tampa BayTV: FSN and SUNRadio: KFAN and WFLALive Stream: NHL TVNHL Odds: TBA  

Why bet on the Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild (42-16-6) have the best record in the Western Conference, but have cooled off a little in the last couple of weeks. That said, they are still 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, although they have seen their lead atop the Central Division cut to a single point. This is a team that has been excellent across the board, but their road record of 19-7-5 is particularly outstanding, and is going to serve them well in the playoffs. They have not had it all their way against the Lightning, though, as these two have split their last 4 meetings right down the middle. The Wild can beat you on offense or defense, but it is likely the latter that will come through on the road.

Why bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning

It wasn’t so very long ago that the Tampa Bay Lightning (30-26-9) were occupying the cellar of the Metropolitan Division. They have clawed their way off the bottom, but are still 4 points out of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. They are in good form right now, going a solid 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. If they can maintain that pace through the final 20 games of the season, there is no reason why they can’t make a return to the postseason. They will continue to look for success on home ice, where they are 17-11-3 this season, which is a good deal better than their sub-.500 road record.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The last 4 meetings between these two teams have been decided by a single goal in low-scoring affairs. I expect this one to be light on goals as well, and I like the Wild to come away with the road win.

Minnesota Wild 3 Tampa Bay Lightning 1