NHL Predictions: Something Gives With Two 1-Loss Teams 10/16/17

Posted on October 16, 2017

The only NHL slate Monday night is a good one as the 4-1 Tampa Bay Lightning travel to take on the 4-1 Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Predictions Lightning Red Wings 10/16/17 . Tampa Bay has rattled off three wins in a row and Detroit two. The Red Wings do have the advantage of finally returning home to the new Little Caesars Arena after four straight games on the road.

Odds

Oddsmakers have made Detroit +109 favorites but that’s nothing new for the Red Wings as they’ve been underdogs in all five games they’ve played this year, four of which they’ve won outright of course. The public likes the value on Tampa Bay -120 as 69% of the bettors are on the Lightning early. The total is set at 5.5.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay takes their high flying offense on the road for just the second time this year. Interesting to note, that previous trip, albeit it was just to play in-state Florida Panthers, was the only Lightning loss of the season (3-5). Tampa Bay has rattled off three wins in a row at home against quality opponents including Washington, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. Could they be facing a letdown after that gauntlet, even though tonight’s opponent is just percentage points back in the Atlantic Division.

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit was an impressive 3-1 on their latest road trip although the competition could be considered suspect in Dallas, Arizona, and the expansion Vegas Knights. Detroit is back home for the NHL Predictions Lightning Red Wings 10/16/17 however for their second ever game at the new Little Caesars Arena. The ice looked like home in the opener as Detroit was able to take down the Wild 4-2 in the season opener.

NHL Predictions Lightning Red Wings 10/16/17

Tampa Bay has been great on offense to start the year, ranking 6th in goals and having a top 5 power play percentage. Their defense has been suspect though giving up 35.8 and 3.2 shots against per game. Jimmy Howard has been great in the net for Detroit (.955 save percentage) and overall the Red Wings are top 10 in both goals scored and goals allowed. They’re underdogs – but have been all year.