The Tampa Bay Lightning are losers of seven of their last ten games, while the Vancouver Canucks are winners of eight of their last ten games. The Vancouver Canucks (30-22-2-6) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (20-29-4-8) for some hard hitting NHL action. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Canucks as -270 moneyline favs over the Lightning with the over/under set at 5 ½ goals. Get your Tampa Bay Lightning vs Vancouver Canucks NHL Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Lightning lost to the Oilers 3-5 on the road despite goals from Cory Murphy (2) and Steven Stamkos. The Lightning are 9-17-2-2 on the road where they average 2.40 GAG and give up an average3.23 GAG. They are 0-5 SU in their last five road games where they’ve averaged 2.00 GAG and given up an average 3.80 GAG. Injuries have kept Tampa Bay goalies Mike Smith (concussion) and Olaf Kolzig (upper body) out of the lineup, and the Lightning have struggled to find a suitable replacement. Karri Ramo, who has started consecutive games and four of the last five, is 1-3-1 with a 3.65 goals-against average this month, and Mike McKenna has allowed 11 goals in his last three starts. Tampa Bay has given up at least three goals in eight straight games overall and has lost 10 of 13.
The Canucks lost to the Canadiens 0-3 on the road. The Canucks went 0-6 on the power play and their penalty kill has allowed a goal a game in their last three games. The Canucks are 14-11-1-3 at home where they average 3.14 GAG and give up an average2.62 GAG. They are 3-2 SU in their last five home games where they’ve averaged 4.20 GAG and given up an average 3.40 GAG. Goalie Roberto Luongo is 19-8-2-3 with a 2.56 GAA and a .915 SVPCT. If history is an indication, the Canucks could bounce back against the Lightning, who are 0-7-1 with two ties all-time in Vancouver while giving up 45 goals. The Canucks have scored 15 goals in winning all three of their home games this month.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
- Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Vancouver.
- Lightning are 1-5-2 in the last 8 meetings.
- Canucks are 6-0 in their last 6 games as a favorite.
- Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
- Canucks are 8-2 in their last 10 overall.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Vancouver Canucks NHL Prediction
When: Fri, Feb 27, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Canucks -270
Point-Spreads.com Tampa Bay Lightning vs Vancouver Canucks NHL Prediction
The Bottom Line: The Canucks are winning games and they do better on home ice. The Lightning are just plain bad. Go Canucks! Get your Tampa Bay Lightning vs Vancouver Canucks NHL Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
