Free Picks: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes

The Coyotes have struggled to pick up victories this season. Near the basement of the West Division, Arizona will look to stop St. Louis. The Blues are the highest-scoring team in the division and have flexed their offensive muscles on multiple occasions this season. With that being said, I think we will see the offensive campfire be extinguished in this game, even after two consecutive games of hitting the over in total goals.

When you think about the top teams in the league, the Hurricanes may not come to mind. You will think of teams like the Golden Knights, Maple Leafs, Bruins and Avalanche. Those teams are all respectable, but it’s time to put some respect and dignity on the Carolina Hurricanes’ name!

Before, it would be expected that Tampa Bay would be considered favorites in the NHL game odds. Times have changed and the division is now Carolina’s for the taking, despite what the bookmakers are thinking.

In their first of four consecutive games, the Hurricanes managed to shutout the Lightning 4-0. While I can’t see Tampa Bay being held off the scoresheet once again, I do think the result will be the same.

Carolina has managed to play great defense against Tampa Bay this season. Earlier this season, the Lightning were held off the scoreboard once again in a 1-0 loss. There is something about Carolina that Tampa Bay cannot crack and I think that trend continues.

Tampa Bay is one of my favorite teams to back on BetPicks, but I think Carolina is the stronger squad. It’s clear the Lightning are missing Nikita Kucherov. On top of that, something feels off in Tampa Bay.

What’s interesting is that the Lightning are still considered favorites against Carolina. Clearly, the bookmakers are backing Tampa Bay despite their recent struggles against Carolina.

Tampa Bay is an elite team, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes, there is a teams’ kryptonite and the Hurricanes appear to be Tampa Bay’s. Carolina’s two shutouts against the Lightning were no fluke, and they have another opportunity to prove in Monday night.

Sometimes, it’s a mental game that can drastically impact an NHL game. For these free picks and predictions, I think we roll with what’s working. Carolina has humbled the Lightning and I expect more of the same on Monday.

• Carolina are 6-1 SU in last 7 games at home.
• The Hurricanes have scored 3 or more goals in 6 consecutive games.
• Tampa Bay are 1-4 SU in last 5 games against Carolina.
• Tampa Bay has allowed 10 goals in last 2 games.