In this article, we will formulate a Lightning vs Hockey Club prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 27, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Utah Hockey Club Betting Preview
The Utah Hockey Club (32-28-11, 32-39 ATS) spent the previous three games at home, where they beat the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning, while they lost to the Detroit Red Wings. Utah will open its three-game road trip with this clash in Tampa. The Hockey Club are 6th in the Central Division Standings with 75 points, 27 behind the leaders Jets.
The Hockey Club average 2.85 goals per game this year (22nd), while they allow 3.00 GPG (18th). Clayton Keller leads the team with 78 points (24 G and 54 A). Nick Schmaltz contributes 57 points (17 G and 40 A), while Logan Cooley has 54 points (21 G and 33 A).
Karel Vejmelka (21-19-6) will likely take his place in the cage for the Hockey Club on Thursday against the Lightning. The 28-year-old is allowing 2.56 goals per game this year with a .905 SV% and one shutout.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning (41-25-5, 37-34 ATS) returned home from a three-game road trip on which they beat the Stars and lost to the Hockey Club and Golden Knights. Tampa Bay opened its three-game homestay with a comfortable 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Lightning are 3rd in the Atlantic Division Standings with 87 points, two behind the Panthers and Maple Leafs.
The Lightning score 3.51 goals per game on average (2nd), while they concede 2.68 GPG (8th). This season, Nikita Kucherov leads the team with 101 points (31 G and 70 A). Brandon Hagel has 79 points (33 G and 46 A), while Brayden Point chips in with 69 points (35 G and 34 A).
Andrei Vasilevskiy (34-19-3) is expected to start for the Lightning at the goal on Thursday against the Hockey Club. The 30-year-old is allowing 2.22 goals per game this year with a .920 SV% and five shutouts.
Total Goals Facts
- Six of the Lightning’s last seven night games following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Thirteen of Utah’s 17 previous games as an underdog following a loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of Utah’s last five games as an underdog.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in three of the Lightning’s last four night games at Amalie Arena.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Tampa Bay Lightning are one of seven teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning rank 8th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.68).
- Utah Hockey Club rank 4th in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (0.70).
- Utah Hockey Club are one of only five teams to win 10+ games when tied after Period 2 this season.
Lightning vs Hockey Club Prediction
These teams have met only once so far, and it was a few days ago in Salt Lake City when the Hockey Club secured a 6-4 victory. Although I don’t expect such a high-scoring affair and ten goals here, I am going to back Over. Each of Utah’s last four games produced 6+ goals, while that was the case with Tampa Bay’s previous three games. I am sure the Lightning will be looking for revenge for that loss to Utah, so I expect the hosts to score at least four goals on Thursday. Go with Over.