In this article, we will formulate a Lightning vs Blackhawks prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, January 28th at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning are 26-19-3 this year after they lost to Detroit by a score of 2-0 in their last game. Tampa Bay allowed one goal in the second and one in the third for the shutout loss. The Lightning were outshot by a total of 31-28, won 58.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Tampa Bay was led by Kucherov, who had seven shots on goal, while Vasilevskiy stopped 29 out of 30 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Lightning defeated the Blackhawks by a score of 4-3 but did lose to the Canadiens by a score of 3-2 before that. Tampa Bay has lost three of their last four games and they are currently fifth in the Atlantic standings with 55 points. Tampa Bay has scored 3.54 goals per game and they have allowed 2.81 goals against per game, while also going 27.9% on the power play and 81.9% on the penalty kill this season. Nikita Kucherov has led Tampa Bay with 23 goals, 50 assists, and 163 shots on goal, while Brandon Hagel has added 20 goals, 31 assists, and 137 shots on goal. Andrei Vasilevskiy is 20-15-2 with a 2.38 goals against average and a .916 save percentage this season.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks are 15-29-5 this season after they lost to Minnesota by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Chicago cut the deficit from 3-0 to 3-2 but allowed an empty net goal to seal the loss. The Blackhawks were outshot by a total of 28-20, won 57.9% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Chicago got goals from Nazar and Jones, while Mrazek stopped 24 out of 27 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Blackhawks lost to the Lightning by a score of 4-3 and the Hurricanes by a score of 4-3. Chicago has lost seven of their last eight games and they are currently last in the Central standings with 35 points. Chicago has scored 2.59 goals per game and they have allowed 3.45 goals against per game, while also going 23.7% on the power play and 80.9% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard has led Chicago with 13 goals, 30 assists, and 115 shots on goal, while Teuvo Teravainen has added 10 goals, 23 assists, and 71 shots on goal. Petr Mrazek is 9-17-2 with a 3.26 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this year.
Why the Lightning will beat the Blackhawks
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last seven road games.
- The Lightning have won each of their last seven games against the Blackhawks following a road loss.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Lightning have covered the puck line in each of their last eight Tuesday games at Amalie Arena.
- The Lightning have won the third period in each of their last seven games against the Blackhawks.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Blackhawks’ last four games as road underdogs following a home loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Three of the Lightning’s last four games as favorites following a road loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2’ market has hit in each of the Lightning’s last 12 home games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 15 of the Blackhawks’ last 16 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning Player Prop Facts
- Brayden Point has recorded at least one point in each of his last 12 appearances with the Lightning as home favorites.
- Nikita Kucherov has recorded at least one assist in each of the Lightning’s last six games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- Brayden Point has scored a goal in each of the Lightning’s last four home games.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Connor Bedard has recorded at least one point in 14 of the Blackhawks’ last 16 games.
- Connor Bedard has recorded an assist in each of the Blackhawks’ last four games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Lightning vs Blackhawks Prediction
Tampa Bay comes into this matchup after getting shut out by the Red Wings in their last game, but they will be at home for this contest. The Lightning are 15-6-1 at home this year, while the Blackhawks are just 5-15-3 on the road. Chicago has not picked up many wins over the last few weeks and they have been horrible on the road this year, so this is a tough matchup for them. I know the Lightning aren’t playing their best right now, but I can’t back Chicago unless they are at home. Take Tampa Bay -1.5 here.