NHL betting preview (Oct. 24): Wild vs. Lightning odds
The Minnesota Wild head into Tampa Bay on a three-game win streak, having allowed just one goal in each of their last three games. However, a change in the Wild’s goaltending may help the Lightning end Minnesota’s streak.
Flyers vs. Capitals Odds
- Minnesota Wild Moneyline: -155
- Tampa Bay Lightning Moneyline: +130
- Puck Line: Wild +1.5 (-185), Lightning -1.5 (+150)
- Game Total: 6 (Over -120, Under +100)
All odds via Sports Interaction.
Matchup
Minnesota began its seven-game road trip with a 2-1 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets but have since won three straight, defeating the Blues 4-1, the Blue Jackets 3-1, and the Panthers 5-1. The Wild remain unbeaten in regulation this season and are tied with the Dallas Stars for second place in the Central Division with 10 points, though Minnesota has a game in hand.
Tampa Bay started strong with three straight wins but has lost two of its last three games. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has allowed nine goals in his last two starts but has been resting since being pulled from the game against the Maple Leafs on Monday. The Lightning are tied with the Senators for second place in the Atlantic Division, just two points behind the Panthers, with both Tampa Bay and Ottawa having a game in hand.
Best Bets for Devils vs. Red Wings
Wild vs Lightning Over 6 Goals (-120) at Sports Interaction
The Lightning have been potent offensively this season, scoring four or more goals in all but one game, including eight in their last outing. According to Evolving Hockey, Tampa Bay ranks third in both goals per 60 minutes and expected goals per 60 minutes. While Minnesota doesn’t create as many high-quality chances, its offense has been more productive this season than in the past two years.
The Wild have scored three or more goals in all but one game this season, including five goals against the defending Stanley Cup champions on Tuesday. Last season, Minnesota performed well offensively against Eastern Conference teams, averaging 3.3 goals per game compared to 2.9 against the West.
Despite their strong defensive start, the Wild’s Marc-Andre Fleury allowed four goals in his only start this season against the Kraken and has conceded three or more goals in each of his last five games against the Lightning. Notably, five of the last six matchups between these teams have featured at least six goals, including a 10-goal game the last time they met, and receiving confirmation that Fleury will start makes over six goals at -120 odds an attractive bet, but I also think over 6.5 goals at +100 is acceptable.