While the debate over a possible too many men on the ice penalty still rages among the Tampa Bay and Colorado faithful rages, there is no debating who officially won Game 4. Nazem Kadri’s game-winner, initially caused confusion because the puck became nestled in the top of the net after sneaking past Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky. It creates confusion for anyone making NHL expert picks, as neither team nor the referees were sure what happened.
However, whenever the smoke cleared, there was doubt it was a Colorado victory. The Avalanche are now one win away from winning its first Stanley Cup since the 2000-01 season. The question for Tampa Bay, which has won the previous two Stanley Cups, is how to contain Colorado’s pressure. The Avalanche have consistently gotten more shots on net than the Lightning in this series.
Last game records
Colorado beat Tampa Bay 3-2 in Game 4 Wednesday night in Tampa Bay.
Matchup information
Avalanche vs. Lightning Betting Analysis
Tampa Bay Analysis
The Lightning, for the first time in the series, got more shots on goal than Colorado holding a 39-37 edge. However, NHL betting stats show the Tampa Bay Lightning weren’t nearly as effective on the face-off, only winning 50 percent of the draws. Anthony Cirelli and Victor Hedman both scored goals for the Lightning.
Tampa Bay didn’t get nearly as many opportunities on the power play. The Lightning went 1-of-2 with the man advantage, after earning six opportunities in Game 3. Andrei Vasilevsky had a solid game in the net, making 34 stops and finishing with a .919 save percentage.
Tampa Bay’s defense continues to make a strong effort in front of Vasilevsky. The Lightning blocked 34 shots in Game 4. Tampa Bay also struggled to protect the puck at times, giving it away 18 times.
Colorado Analysis
Anyone making NHL betting picks will like to pick the Colorado Avalanche to close out the series in Game 5. In the first two games in Denver, Colorado buried Tampa Bay before they could get their legs under them. The Avalanche scored three goals apiece in the first periods of the first two games.
This postseason, Colorado has only lost one closeout game this postseason, which was during Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche were able to rally late to earn an opportunity at a closeout game during Game 5. Andrew Cogliano scored a goal three minutes into the third period that tied the game.
In overtime, the Avalanche were relentless with their pressure. Colorado outshot Tampa Bay 11-3 before netting the winner.
Updates
Colorado left wing Andre Burakovsky has a hand injury and won’t be available. Tampa Bay center Brayden Point is listed day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
- The Lightning has lost their last two games where they were underdogs on the moneyline.
- Colorado is 49-51 against the puckline.
- Tampa Bay is 50-53 against the puckline.
- The Avalanche have seen the over go 53-42 in their games this season.
- The Lightning has seen the over go 53-48 in their games this season.
Avalanche vs. Lightning Betting Preview
NHL betting odds have the Avalanche as -182 favorites. The Lightning are +155 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at six goals.
Avalanche vs. Lightning Betting Prediction
When it comes to NHL matchups, this one may have been solidly in favor of Colorado from the start. The Avalanche are the hungrier team and have appeared that way throughout the series. Colorado has been relentlessly applying pressure to try and close out the series.
Even though Tampa Bay had all the experience and an edge in goaltending, the Lightning has appeared to be a team playing on tired legs. Missing Point has hurt Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have been outplayed by a team that appears to be the superior of the two groups this year. Expect Colorado to not play a round and to close out the series and earn their third Stanley Cup trophy.
How to bet Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Bet Tampa Bay -182.
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