Lightning vs. Devils Prediction
The Tampa Bay Lightning were tripped up in Game 3 as they went on the road and found out quickly their series with the New Jersey Devils won’t be a cakewalk. Will Tampa Bay secure a win tonight and take full command of the series once again?
Game Snapshot
59 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 60 New Jersey Devils
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Prudential Center at 7:30PM ET
TV: Golf Channel
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Lightning are a -150 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Devils are a +130 underdog, while the total is set at 6 goals. As of Wednesday afternoon, 75 percent of public bets are pouring in on visiting Tampa Bay. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Hall carries Devils to win
Taylor Hall led New Jersey in points by a considerable margin this season with 39 goals and 54 assists in 76 games. His strong play has continued into the playoffs and he had his second multi-point game of the series in Game 3 Monday night as his goal and two assists paced the Devils in a 5-2 home vicotry over the Lightning. Hall is no secret around the NHL as he was a strong player in his younger years for always-rebuilding Edmonton and has now become an even better offensive force with New Jersey. It’s nice to finally see him get him chance to shine in the postseason.
Callahan, Johnson both injured
Tampa Bay veteran right winger Ryan Callahan (5G, 13A) left Game 2 with an injury and missed the last game, while center Tyler Johnson (21G, 29A) left the last game with an injury. Both forwards are ruled as questionable for tonight’s contest. While the Lightning can make due without both players, they are still vital role players and Johnson has been a key cog in the NHL’s top-ranked offense. Monitor social media for further information as game time approaches.
NHL Betting Trends
Tampa Bay
The Lightning are 5-17 in their last 22 meetings in New Jersey. Tampa Bay is 0-7 in its last seven games where the opponent scored five or more goals in the previous game.
New Jersey
The home team is 17-5 in the last 22 games. The over is 3-0-2 in the last five Devils conference quarterfinals games.
Prediction:
Every postseason, it seems there is at least one series that comes out of nowhere to be a way better series than people assumed it would be. I think this could be that series. There is also a case for Colorado if it can win Game 4 at home versus Nashville, but I believe New Jersey matches up better with the Lightning. Tampa Bay has struggled in New Jersey and I’m going to take a shot with the home dog.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: NEW JERSEY +130