Free Picks: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators

Everyone speaks of how talented the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning are. Saturday night will be a tremendous opportunity for both clubs to flex their muscles and force the rest of the league to take note. Two of the most consistent teams in the NHL haven’t had the hottest of starts and a win Saturday could be a huge momentum swing.

If you were to say that the Lightning or Predators would be favorites in NHL Stanley Cup odds, I don’t think anyone would question that statement. However, in the early going of the season, both teams have struggled and have not been the powerhouses originally thought of.

Saturday night, these teams will be met with a great test as they attempt to prove to one another they are the real deal in the NHL. I have chosen the Lightning to win on BetPicks before and I think I need to ride with the Lightning in this contest as well.

I’ll admit that Tampa Bay broke my heart after losing 1-0 to Carolina earlier this week, but I think that was a total anomaly for a team this talented. Their 1-0 loss to the Hurricanes was the first time this season Tampa Bay was held off the scoresheet and I don’t expect a repeat Saturday night.

After failing to tally a single goal against Carolina, you can bet that head coach Jon Cooper gave his team a piece of his mind in the locker room. It was a disappointing loss, to say the least. Cooper has been known to light a fire under his squad before and I think that happens Saturday night.

Nashville’s offense has struggled this season but their defense has been better than average. I think this will be a low scoring game that swings in favor of Tampa Bay. While the Predators might be able to match the Lightning on defense, I think Tampa Bay is far superior on offense, which should be the deciding factor in this one.

Tampa Bay is regularly one of my favorite NHL picks, so I have to stick with them. Not everything goes your way in the sport of hockey or betting, but I think the Lightning will correct their wrongs against Nashville.

Expect the Lightning to make a statement out of Nashville.

• Tampa Bay leads the NHL in shots per game.
• The Lightning are 2-0-0 at home this season.
• The Predators are 3-7 in last 10 as the underdog.
• Nashville Is 0-4 in last 4 road games.