Free Picks: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Patrick Trudeau
By: Patrick Trudeau
02/23/2021
NHL Free Picks – Best Bets of the Week
Tampa Bay vs Carolina NHL
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes, NHL, PNC Arena

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.

Is Carolina the most underrated team in the NHL?

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.

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FREE PICK: Carolina Hurricanes ML
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Stats

  • 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.

have always wanted to be a writer and sports are my favorite thing in the world, so I combined the two to make a career. I have been a long-time gambler and sports betting writer that isn't afraid to look at the underdog or specials. I am covering the NHL, MLB and NCAA Football for BetPicks.ca and am a huge fan of both sports - as well as many others. Follow me on Twitter (@Patrick_Trudeau) so we can talk betting, sports, or why ketchup DOES belong on Poutine.

NHL Eastern Metropolitan

 

TeamWLOT%
1Carolina54208.707
2NY Rangers52246.671
3Pittsburgh462511.628
4Washington442612.610
5NY Islanders373510.512
6Columbus37387.494
7New Jersey27469.384
8Philadelphia254611.372

 

NHL Eastern Atlantic

TeamWLOT%
1Florida58186.744
2Toronto54217.701
3Tampa Bay51238.671
4Boston51265.652
5Buffalo323911.457
6Detroit324010.451
7Ottawa33427.445
8Montréal224911.335

 

NHL - Western Central

TeamWLOT%
1Colorado56197.726
2Minnesota53227.689
3St Louis492211.665
4Dallas46306.598
5Nashville45307.591
6Winnipeg393211.543
7Chicago284212.415
8Arizona25507.348

 

NHL - Western Pacific

TeamWLOT%
1Calgary502111.677
2Edmonton49276.634
3Los Angeles442711.604
4Vegas43318.573
5Vancouver403012.561
6San Jose323713.470
7Anaheim313714.463
8Seattle27496.366

 

2021-22 Season
Regular season beginsOctober 12
All-Star & Winter Games breakFebruary 3-22
Trade deadlineMarch 21
Final day of regular seasonApril 29
Stanley Cup Playoffs beginMay 2
Last possible day for PlayoffsJune 30
2022 NHL DraftJuly 7