Colorado Avalanche (68-20-8) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (63-28-8)
Game Info: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 8:00 pm (Ball Arena)
Betting Odds: Colorado Avalanche -170 / Tampa Bay Lightning +155 --- Over/Under: 6 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Colorado Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning in Wednesday NHL Stanly Cup Action.
The Tampa Bay Lightning come into game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, hoping to pick up a road win. In their previous series vs New York, the Lightning won just 1 game on the road. For the season, Tampa Bay found the net 287 times, good for a rank of 8th among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Tampa Bay is the 6th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 2.78 goals per game. For the year, the Lightning have a strength of schedule rating of 22nd in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 8th-ranked team in the NHL.
The Colorado Avalanche get set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning, coming off a 4-0 sweep over the Edmonton Oilers. For the year, the Avalanche have scored 312 goals, giving them an average of 3.76. This output gives them a rank of 3rd among NHL teams. On defense, Colorado is the 7th ranked unit, giving up 2.83 goals per contest. For the year, the Avalanche have played the 26th toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account Colorado's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 3rd in the NHL.
Through 82 games, the Tampa Bay Lightning goal and overall scoring leader is Steven Stamkos, with 106 points. He has reached his mark of 42 goals, on a shooting percentage of 17.4%. So far, 38.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Victor Hedman, who has 65 assists to go along with his 20 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +26.0. Tampa Bay's top goalie is Andrei Vasilevskiy, who is giving up an average of 2.49 goals per game. In his 63 games played, he has turned in 39 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Through 75 games, the Colorado Avalanche's goal and overall scoring leader is Mikko Rantanen, with 92 points. He has reached his mark of 36 goals, on a shooting percentage of 14.2%. So far, 44.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Nathan MacKinnon, who has 56 assists to go along with his 32 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +22. Colorado's top goalie is Darcy Kuemper, who is giving up an average of 2.54 goals per game. In his 57 games played, he has turned in 32 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Heading into game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the over-under betting line is set at 6 goals. For the opening contest, I recommend taking the under, as Tampa Bay has given up just 3 goals over their past 3 games. Look for this to be a low-scoring, tightly contested matchup.
Joe’s Pick Under 5.5 Goals
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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