NHL betting preview (Nov. 19): Lightning vs. Penguins odds
Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Tuesday’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Lightning vs. Penguins Odds
- Tampa Bay Lightning Moneyline: -160
- Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline: +135
- Puck Line: Lightning -1.5 (+145), Penguins +1.5 (-175)
- Game Total: 6.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Game odds via Sports Interaction.
Handicapping the Penguins (7-13 SU, 7-13 ATS, 11-8-1 O/U)
The Penguins snapped their three-game losing streak with a shootout win over the Sharks, despite blowing a 3-0 lead late in the game. After starting the season 3-2, Pittsburgh has managed just four wins in its last 15 games. Notably, most of these victories have been against weaker opponents. While they recently defeated the Capitals, 4-2, wins over Detroit, Montreal, Buffalo, Anaheim, and San Jose offer little reason for optimism.
Defensively, the Penguins remain the league’s worst, allowing the most goals per 60 minutes and ranking among the bottom five in shots allowed per 60. Tristan Jarry’s return only added to their struggles. Following a successful conditioning stint in the minors, the 29-year-old goaltender returned to allow five goals on 38 shots against Columbus. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, Tuesday’s matchup offers little relief.
Handicapping the Lightning (9-7 SU, 7-9 ATS, 7-8-1 O/U)
The Lightning aim for their third straight win after snapping a four-game losing streak tied to Brayden Point’s injury on Nov. 3 against Winnipeg. Point (8-5–13) scored before exiting that game but has been active in practice and is expected to return Tuesday. Tampa Bay’s last two victories were impressive: a 4-1 win over Winnipeg and a 4-0 shutout of New Jersey. Despite a lackluster 3-5 road record, the team was 3-2 away from home before Point’s absence.
Tampa Bay has struggled against Pittsburgh in recent seasons, losing the season series each year since 2021-22 and going winless in three road games in Pittsburgh since Oct. 26, 2021. However, this Penguins team is a far cry from previous iterations, while the Lightning are playing some of their best hockey since their 2021 Stanley Cup run.
According to Evolving Hockey, Tampa Bay ranks sixth in goals for and seventh in goals against at even strength per 60 minutes. Their defense has also been a surprising strength, sitting sixth in expected goals against.
Best Bets for Lightning vs. Penguins
Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal (+110) at Sports Interaction
Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 Points (-125) at Sports Interaction
While I do think the Lightning are a decent bet at -160 odds, I would recommend shopping around. With the news of Point’s return making its way through the betting market, there are slight differences when it comes to the prices of the road team, and bettors should always aim to get the best of it. However, I think there’s a player prop, or two, that are worth talking about.
Nikita Kucherov (11-15–26) is thriving this season, with six points in his last four games despite Point’s absence. The 31-year-old’s metrics improve significantly when playing alongside Point, making this matchup especially favorable. Tampa Bay’s high-scoring offense (top six in goals per 60 across all situations) faces a Penguins defense that ranks dead last, providing a prime opportunity for Kucherov’s player props. Tuesday shapes up as a great day to back him.