The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Nashville Predators at Amalie Arena on Tuesday night in the first game of the NHL schedule for the 2023-24 season.
Nashville vs. Tampa Bay Picks
Over 6.5 (+100)
Tampa has been one of the best NHL teams in recent years, while the Predators have an intriguing mix of young players and veterans on their roster.
Looking at the past NHL standings, we should be in for an exciting affair. Here’s a closer look at the Nashville vs Tampa Bay betting analysis.
Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Odds
Predators vs. Lightning Information
Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Location of the game: Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 10. 5:30 p.m. ET.
How to Watch: ESPN+
Recent Scores
The Nashville Predators standings in the preseason wasn’t very good, to say the least. The team finished the exhibition schedule with a 1-4-1 record, scoring just 13 goals and allowing 22. They were 0-4 on the road, although that doesn’t hold much weight considering they didn’t play with a full lineup.
The Lightning, meanwhile, had a solid preseason, going 5-2 in seven NHL games with 22 goals scored and 18 against. They were 3-1 at home. Tampa has won two games in a row against Nashville, but the Predators won five in a row, dating back to 2019, before that.
Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Analysis
Lightning Will Have to Survive without Vasilevskiy
Tampa has a major name on the NHL injury report: star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Russian netminder underwent back surgery just prior to the preseason and is expected to be out for at least ten weeks, but returning from a back injury can be difficult, so who knows how long he will be out and if he can return to form.
Looking at the recent Tampa Bay Lightning news, Jonas Johansson and Matt Tomkins are the only other two goalies on the Lightning roster, but they may have to acquire one to keep pace in the competitive Atlantic Division.
For the Nashville vs Tampa Bay betting analysis, the Lightning are expected to start Johansson, who primarily played with the Colorado Eagles in the AHL last season and had a 2.10 GAA and .932 save percentage in two games with the Avalanche.
The team’s defense, anchored by Victor Hedman, will have to step up in Vasilevskiy’s absence.
Nashville Looking to Surprise People in 2023-24
Nashville isn’t one of the NHL picks to contend for the Stanley Cup this season, but they have an intriguing mix of talent with young players like Juuso Parssinen, Philip Tomasino, and Yakov Trenin with unheralded but solid veterans like Gustav Nyquist, Colton Sissons, Luke Schenn, and Ryan McDonagh.
They also added Ryan O’Reilly, who is expected to anchor the top line along with Parssinen and Filip Forsberg.
Looking at the NHL player stats, the Predators boast one of the deepest goaltending groups in the NHL. Juuse Saros is expected to start tonight and will be backed up by Kevin Lankinen.
Top prospect Yaroslav Askarov is also with the organization and will likely surpass Lankinen for playing time before the end of the season.
Updates
Vasilevskiy isn’t the only player out of the lineup for the Nashville vs Tampa Bay betting analysis. Predators defenseman Joe Lauzon is also on the NHL injury report.
Predators vs. Lightning Betting Preview
- Moneyline: The Lightning are -165 favorites at home. The Predators are +145 underdogs.
- Puck Line: Tampa Bay Lightning has a -1.5 (+150) puck line. Nashville Predators are at +1.5 (-170) puck line.
- Over/Under: The over/under is 6.5, with the over and under paying out +100 and -120, respectively.
Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Prediction
An early start time usually favors the visiting team as it throws the home team out of their comfort zone. That’ll especially be the case on Tuesday as the Lightning and Predators open up the 2023-24 NHL season.
Nashville isn’t a sure thing to win, however, but the over 6.5 (+100) is a solid bet, considering Johansson is starting for Tampa Bay and defensive systems aren’t as dialed in early in the season.
- Pick: Over 6.5 (+100)
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