The Tampa Bay Lightning were a little slow out of the gate but appear to be hitting their stride. They own a 2-0-1 record over the last three games and have outscored opponents 9-3.
My Lightning vs. Penguins predictions see Tampa Bay continuing to build on its recent success, with superstar winger Nikita Kucherov stealing the show against a vulnerable Pittsburgh team.
Let’s take a closer look with my November 19 NHL picks.
Lightning vs Penguins prediction
My best bet
Nikita Kucherov Over 3.5 shots (-113 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Nikita Kucherov is very productive when it comes to generating shots. He's recorded a healthy average of 3.8 per game and cleared 3.5 at a solid 56% clip to start the season.
Although that hit rate may not pop off the page, it’s pretty impressive when considering Kucherov has a handful of recent failures against very stingy opponents like the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and New Jersey Devils.
Kucherov’s floor and ceiling were heavily dented in each of those matchups, sinking overall numbers that are still quite strong.
All the stars will align tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. For one, he gets his usual center, Brayden Point, back from injury. Kuch averages 9.63 shots on target per 60 at 5-on-5 with Point as opposed to 7.90 with Anthony Cirelli.
The even bigger factor is the mouthwatering matchup vs. the Penguins. Pittsburgh has played high-event hockey and struggled mightily to defend all season long.
The Pens have shown no signs they’re capable of tightening the screws, ranking third in 5-on-5 pace and 27th in shot suppression over the last 10 games.
Pittsburgh also ranks 31st on the year when it comes to limiting shots to opposing wingers, keeping company with teams like San Jose and Montreal.
Lightning vs Penguins same-game parlay (SGP)
Nikita Kucherov Over 3.5 shots
Nikita Kucherov Over 0.5 points
Lightning moneyline
Kucherov lives on the scoresheet. He's piled up 26 points through 16 games, securing at least a point all but one time.
The Penguins allow shots and chances at absurdly high rates and possess one of the worst goaltending situations in the NHL. Suffice to say, they’re not well equipped to be the team that can slow Kucherov down.
The Tampa Bay Lightning just beat the Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils — two of the league’s best teams — by an 8-1 scoreline in aggregate. They’ve sat idle since Saturday as well, meaning Kucherov and the team’s best weapons will be well rested and ready for a full workload.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Lightning vs Penguins odds
Lightning vs Penguins live odds
Lightning vs Penguins opening odds
- Puck line: Tampa Bay -1,5 (+171) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-200)
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay -142 | Pittsburgh +126
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-114) | Under 6.5 (+100)
Lightning vs Penguins trend
Nikita Kucherov has cleared 3.5 shots in five of his last six head-to-head meetings with Pittsburgh. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Penguins.
How to watch Lightning vs Penguins
| Location: | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date: | Tuesday, 11-19-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BSSUN, SN-PIT |
Lightning vs Penguins latest injuries
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