Columbus Blue Jackets (36-23-16) at Tampa Bay Lightning (45-22-6)
Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm
The plus money with the Blue Jackets is tempting after their emotional series win over Toronto, but that emotion is why I’m backing the Lightning here. The Jackets had to worry about and execute in stifling a high-octane Maple Leaf offense, and now having to carry that intensity over and play a very tough Tampa Bay team with one day’s rest in between feels like a tough ask. The Lightning also haven’t forgotten that this is the same Colimbus team that swept them from the playoffs as president’s trophy champions a year ago, leading to an offseason of scrutiny and criticism leading into this year’s postseason. I think we see a fired up Tampa Bay team that takes it to Columbus here, so I’ll back the Lightning on the puck line as my premium pick for this game.
Chris’s Pick Tampa Bay Lightning: -1.5 +160
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
Follow Chris Ruffolo on Twitter @ruffthepickdawg