The Detroit Red Wings host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday at Little Caesars Arena at 1:00 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay enters this game as a -150 favorite, according to NHL odds, with the total set at 6.5 goals.
Despite winning seven straight games, Detroit is due for regression against a superior team, as I discuss below in my Lightning vs. Red Wings predictions.
Read on for my NHL picks for Saturday, February 8.
Lightning vs Red Wings prediction
My best bet
Lightning -1.5 (+156 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The Detroit Red Wings have surged back into the Wild Card picture with seven straight victories. This winning streak has shortened Detroit's odds in this matchup, creating value on the Tampa Bay Lightning, and I want to take advantage.
Detroit does not hold an advantage in any key aspect of the game.
Let’s start with goaltending, where Tampa Bay holds a clear edge with Andrei Vasilevskiy slated to start between the pipes. Vasilevskiy is 23-15-3 through 41 starts this season with a .918 SV% and 2.28 GAA.
Meanwhile, Cam Talbot is projected to start in net for the Red Wings. He fails to measure up to Vasilevskiy in wins, SV%, and GAA.
Vasilevskiy’s job is made easier because of the stronger two-way team in front of him. The Bolts outrank Detroit in xGF/60, xGA/60, and expected goal differential per 60 minutes.
With advantages in goaltending, defense, and offense, Tampa Bay is the clear favorite in this matchup. Finally, 13 of the Lightning’s past 17 wins have been decided by two or more goals.
Lightning vs Red Wings same-game parlay (SGP)
Lightning -1.5
Brayden Point anytime goal
Jake Guentzel anytime goal
Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel, who rank first and second on the team in both goals and power-play goals, should thrive in this matchup. Detroit ranks last in the league in penalty-kill percentage.
At least one of Point or Guentzel has scored in seven of the past 11 games, while both have found the net in three of those outings. One of those three games was against the Red Wings.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Lightning vs Red Wings odds
Lightning vs Red Wings live odds
Lightning vs Red Wings opening odds
- Puck line: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+156) | Detroit +1.5 (-194)
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay -150 | Detroit +125
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-102) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Lightning vs Red Wings trend
Thirteen of Tampa Bay’s past 17 wins have been decided by at least two goals. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Red Wings.
How to watch Lightning vs Red Wings
| Location | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Saturday, 2-8-2025 |
| Puck drop | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Lightning vs Red Wings latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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