After Chicago took home the 2015 Stanley Cup against the Lightning, Tampa Bay finally captured another crown in 2020. Now, two of the most dominant teams in the 2010s open up their season against one another. Will Tampa Bay start off on the right foot, or will an extended break help Chicago in this match up?
With rumors that the team is rebuilding, Chicago will be an interesting team to watch this season. Normal circumstances have changed for Chicago as their division now features teams from both the Western and Eastern conference. It won’t be easy, but the Blackhawks have several players that can turn a season in favor of the team. With that being said, we might need to wait a while to see these players in action. Both Kirby Dach and Jonathan Toews are out for the foreseeable future, which means players like Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat will need to carry the weight of Chicago. Tampa Bay are dealing with their own injuries. Nikita Kucherov is out, the Lightning’s depth is stronger than the Blackhawks. This is where I think this game is won by Tampa Bay. Chicago has a solid first line, but after that their team is rather sketchy. The Blackhawks’ top line on defense is ranked poorly, which opens the door for Tampa Bay. I think this will be a game in which the Lightning terrorize Chicago in the offensive end. Since January 1, 2016, the Blackhawks have only won once against Tampa Bay. Of course, Chicago won the Stanley Cup against the Lightning back in 2015, but the tables have been turned. Tampa Bay are the defending NHL champions and are miles ahead of Chicago. I think with Toews and potentially Dach this outcome could be different, but I just can’t see Tampa Bay allowing Chicago to take this contest. The Blackhawks’ goalie situation is sketchy (and that’s being nice), while the Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy is ready to rock the blue paint again this season. Tampa Bay is stronger than Chicago in goal, on offense, and defense. Kane has the ability to steal a game, but it’s no surprise that the Lightning are heavy favorites entering this contest at -230 (888Sport).
Tampa Bay are 8-1-1 against Chicago in last 10 games. Tampa Bay are 4-1 SU in last 5 games. Chicago are 1-5 SU in lats 6 games played on the road. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago’s last 6 games.
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