The Detroit Red Wings (36-22-7) and Tampa Bay Lightning (39-20-4) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Lightning are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (+100o/ -130u). The Lightning are a -218 favorite to win outright, while the Red Wings are +180 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Red Wings vs. Lightning predictions and NHL picks.
Red Wings vs. Lightning Odds, Pick
| Red Wings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -135 | 6.5 110o / -130u | +180 |
| Lightning Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +114 | 6.5 110o / -130u | -218 |
- Red Wings vs. Lightning Spread: Red Wings +1.5 (-135), Lightning -1.5 (+114)
- Red Wings vs. Lightning Over/Under: 6.5 (+110o/ -130u)
- Red Wings vs. Lightning Moneyline: Red Wings +180, Lightning -218
Red Wings vs. Lightning Preview
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings will be without their leading goal scorer, as Dylan Larkin remains out with a leg injury. That is a significant blow to a team that already ranks 21st in the league in goals scored per game.
Facing the Tampa Bay Lightning will not make things any easier.
Goaltender John Gibson is slated to start for Detroit. It has been an up-and-down season for Gibson, though his recent play has mostly trended in a positive direction.
However, he struggled when last facing Tampa Bay’s elite offense. In that outing, Gibson allowed five goals on 26 shots for an .808 save percentage in a 6-3 loss.
Tampa Bay Lightning
A similar result could be in store Thursday, as goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start for Tampa Bay. The Vezina Trophy front-runner owns a 29-11-3 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average.
He holds the edge over Gibson in all three categories.
Vasilevskiy has also performed well historically against Detroit. In 24 career meetings, he is 17-5-2 with a .929 save percentage and a 2.18 goals-against average.
His job is further helped by a strong defensive group in front of him. Tampa Bay ranks ninth in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) this season.
Red Wings vs. Lightning Prediction
Vasilevskiy should also receive strong goal support, as Tampa Bay ranks third in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). Not only does Tampa Bay hold the goaltending edge, but it is also the stronger team overall.
Entering this matchup, the Lightning outrank Detroit in xGF/60, xGA/60 and expected goal share.
Additionally, each of Tampa Bay’s past five wins against Detroit has come by at least three goals.
Pick: Lightning -1.5 (+114)
