San Jose Sharks vs Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Picks

The Sharks have picked up their defense recently while on the road. They have given up an average of 2.3 goals during their last three games, all of which have been on the road. San Jose just held Florida to one goal in a 4-1 win on Monday. This is the Sharks' final game of their four-game road swing. San Jose has averaged two goals a game the past two times when playing without rest. The spot isn't favorable for Tampa Bay either. The Lightning just concluded a five-game road trip that ended with a 4-1 victory against the Stars two days ago. Tampa Bay has permitted only nine goals in regulation during its last six games. During this span, the Lightning held top-scoring Colorado to two goals and limited Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia to one goal. Star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is projected to be a net for Tampa Bay. Vasilevskiy has a .921 save percentage with a 2.22 goals against average in 12 lifetime starts against the Sharks. Take the UNDER. 

The Sharks have shown improvement this season. However, they are no match for a hot Lightning team. The Lightning won their sixth straight game on Thursday with a 5-3 victory against the defensive-minded Kings. LA ranks third defensively in the NHL. Yet Tampa Bay struck for five goals against the Kings. San Jose ranks 30th defensively and gives up the most shots on goal. Tampa Bay is averaging 4.7 goals per game during its winning streak. On the season, the Lightning are the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL. The Sharks have flashed offensively, but their defense and goaltending are below par. The Lightning have overcome some notable absences on the blue line with their high-power attack, and they have star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy back. Take the Lightning.

Tampa Bay has won nine of the past 10 meetings, including an 8-1 shellacking on Dec. 5. The Lightning have won six of eight although they look to bounce back from a 5-2 loss to a suddenly hot Montreal team on Sunday. The Lightning are 5-0 playing with at least three days rest and they have won five of their past six road games. San Jose is on an eight-game losing streak while averaging only 2.13 goals in that span. The Sharks are 8-43 their past 51 games following a loss by at least three goals and they come off a 4-0 defeat against Philadelphia on Tuesday. San Jose has lost 31 of 37 as a home underdog of at least +201. The Sharks have lost six home games in a row and five of their past six home games against the Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy is 16-10-1 with a 2.39 goals-against average for Tampa Bay. Take the Lightning.

Tampa Bay is a long way from home playing its third road game of a four-game trip. They're strong at home (21-9-4) but a .500 road team (16-16-2). Tampa Bay is not an elite defensive squad ranked 24th in goals given up (3.35 per game) and 30th in save percentage (.894). They're off an emotional win over defending champion Vegas with two third-period goals. Tampa Bay is 9-16 on the road after scoring three or more goals in four consecutive contests, 8-14 after a three-game unbeaten streak, and 2-10 on the road after a road game where both teams netted three or more goals. San Jose is delighted to be home after a lousy five-game trek. In their last home game, they topped Ottawa, 2-1, as a +200 underdog. San Jose is 9-5 at home after having lost 12 or more of their last 15, making this an excellent situational spot for the big home dog. Play San Jose.