A pair of recent champions are meeting for the final time this season, as the Colorado Avalanche (33-17-4) and Tampa Bay Lightning (29-20-5) are standing in each other’s way tonight. The first matchup took place in November, a 4-1 Avalanche victory.
For Colorado, this game is the conclusion of a six-game road trip. They went 1-3-1 in the first five, although a 6-3 win over the Capitals precedes tonight’s battle. The Avalanche are currently second in the Central Division standings.
Meanwhile, the Lightning are back home following a 2-2 road trip. Tampa Bay won the final two games of the journey, including a 3-2 win over the Bruins this Tuesday. They enter this game third in the Atlantic Division.
This is a high-powered matchup that should get plenty of attention. Who will come out on top?
Colorado Avalanche vs Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Odds and Match Details
| Team | Puck Line | Total | ML |
| Avalanche | +1.5
-225 |
Over 7
+105 |
+105 |
| Lightning | -1.5
+185 |
Under 7
-125 |
–125 |
| **Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and Subject to Change | |||
Fixture: Colorado Avalanche @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Date and Time: Thursday, February 15, 2024, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Location: Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida
Injury Report
Avalanche
Valeri Nichuskin – Out
Logan O’ Connor – Out
Lightning
Mikhail Sergachev – Out
Key Stats
Colorado Avalanche
Goals per game: 3.70
Goals against per game: 3.17
Power play percentage: 24.1%
Penalty kill percentage: 81.3%
Shots on goal per game: 32.1
Shots on goal allowed per game: 29.3
Face-off win percentage: 48.0%
Tampa Bay Lightning
Goals per game: 3.39
Goals against per game: 3.28
Power play percentage: 30.7%
Penalty kill percentage: 81.6%
Shots on goal per game: 29.8
Shots on goal allowed per game: 29.9
Face-off win percentage: 51.2%
Avalanche vs. Lightning Prediction
Both of these teams are lethal offensively, which should make this a fun back-and-forth affair. Expect plenty of goals from each team. However, there is a clear reason why Tampa Bay will win this game when it’s all over. The Lightning make a lot of noise at home, bringing a 17-5-3 record in Amalie Arena with them to the ice tonight. All of their numbers improve on home ice.
As for the Avalanche, they own a -10 goal differential on the road. This trip was a disaster before Tuesday, and their shaky defense has been the main culprit. Expect the Lightning to strike early and often against Colorado, eventually ending the night with two more points.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning ML (-125) & Over 7 (+105)
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