2011 NHL Playoffs: Lightning vs. Bruins Game 1 Picks & Predictions

Lightning-Bruins Game 1 Free Pick

(The Spread) – Will the Tampa Bay Lightning or the Boston Bruins get the upper hand in Saturday night's Game 1 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals?

View Current NHL Playoff Betting Odds

Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Bruins a -150 favorite in tonight's contest, while the Lightning are +130 underdogs. The over-under is set at 5,5 for the 8::05PM EST start.

Both Tampa Bay and Boston were nearly flawless in its semifinal series'. In the case of the Lightning, they dismantled the Washington Capitals in four straight games as strong third periods held off all opposition hopes time out. The Bruins were dominant as well as they swept the Philadelphia Flyers, winning the four games by a combined 13 goals.

The key to this series is going to be defense and goaltending. Tampa Bay's Dwayne Roloson (2.01 GAA, 11 starts) and Boston's Tim Thomas (2.03 GAA, 11 starts) are playing at the top of their games right now. Whether one or both of them can sustain their current pace remains to be seen.

NHL Playoff Free Pick: These two sides have had a long layover and it is likely the rust will be evident, specifically on the offensive end. Look for the goals to be few and far between especially when considering the impact Roloson and Thomas can make. It is no accident these are the two teams playing the Eastern Conference Finals. Sure, they can score but it was through goaltending and defense that they made it this far. I like the under 5.5 in this Game 1.

SATURDAY NHL FREE PICK: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING/BOSTON BRUINS UNDER 5.5

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