NHL Free Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning vs New Jersey Devils
Hockey betting fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 16-16-10
New Jersey: 30-10-1
Tonight, 7:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds: Lightning +175, Devils -210
The Lightning are a team in transition this season, neither ahead or behind schedule in their development. Steven Stamkos looks like a future 50-goal man more nights than not and Victor Hedman has shown the potential to be Nicklas Lidstrom-meets-Zdeno-Chara, though it’s too early to know when or if he’ll blossom.
As the NHL’s second-lowest-scoring team facing the league’s stingiest, Tampa has a tough test tonight.
The Lightning have already lost three times to the Devils this season. With a sparkling 30-10-1 record, the Devils are humming along and continue to be one of hockey’s model franchises. Jacques Lemaire’s defensive system masks any hint of aging in Martin Brodeur, who could have another Vezina Trophy to his name by season’s end. Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner and Travis Zajac chip in enough scoring to give Brodeur leads almost every night. The smoking-hot Devils have won eight of 10, shutting out their opponents three times over that span.
Tampa’s only hope is that Brodeur doesn’t play tonight. That’s a distinct possibility since New Jersey travels to Montreal tomorrow night and the French-Canadian Brodeur wouldn’t miss that matchup for the world. If you hold off your bet until the last minute and learn that Marty doesn’t play, pick Tampa. For now, go with the Devils.
NHL Betting Trends:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
Tampa Bay is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey’s last 6 games at home
Pick: Devils -210
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Shea Matthews lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national newspapers. He now applies his knowledge to sports betting and handicapping every day, and shares his winning picks with the world.
