Will Lightning Strike Down the Gushing Oil Wednesday on TNT?

Following two consecutive Stanley Cup championships, the Lighting has NHL betting credibility that no team can match.  As the season progresses, Tampa Bay looks like it can make it a 3-peat.  Of course, winning one Stanley Cup championship is a daunting task.  Most observers believe it’s the hardest trophy in sports to win.  But the Bolts have the lineup and, most important of all, goaltending, to reign again.  Problematic is the public attention that success generates.  Oddsmakers don’t make Tampa Bay affordable.  Especially on home ice.  Resurgent Edmonton brings a viable threat to Tampa Bay on Wednesday night.

Edmonton Oilers at Tampa Bay Lightning CashBet Wagering Analysis

On this occasion, TNT gets a marquee matchup that will draw significant action with the sportsbook odds.  Edmonton was touted as a team that could challenge the Lighting for the Stanley Cup.  Now gamblers notice a revitalized Oilers team under new head coach Jay Woodcroft.  Since Woodcroft took over, Edmonton has been one of the hottest teams on the board.  Cause by this game being at Tampa Bay, will the Oilers get a price break.  Oddsmakers know that the squares won’t step into the Lightning at Tampa Bay.  Thus, Edmonton won’t be charged extra for its improved play.

Woodcroft Strikes Oil as New Edmonton Skipper

Late on, the Oilers have won six of their most recent eight betting on NHL games.  Further, five of their last seven went under the total.  Edmonton stands at 28-18-3 straight up, 23-24 over/under.  The Oilers have NHL metrics of 10^th for goal scoring, 3^rd for power-play efficiency, 22^nd for goals against, and 22^nd for penalty killing.

Connor McDavid looks like the top overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft.  So far, McDavid leads Edmonton in scoring with 25 goals and 45 assists with a +12.  Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl adds 35 goals with 34 assists and a +9.

Of great concern is that the Oilers lack secondary scoring.  This problem puts too much of the burden on McDavid and Draisaitl.  Goaltending has been another worry of Oiler fans and gamblers.  Overall, Edmonton has a team save percentage of .904.  And number one goaltender Mikko Koskinen is even lower at .900.

Concurrently the Oilers are on a sugar rush with head coach Jay Woodcroft.  Whether it sustains itself or not remains to be seen.

Another Bolt of Stanley for Tampa Bay Looks Possible

Late on, Tampa Bay has won seven of its most recent ten games.  In their last six games, the Lightning is 2-4 under the pro hockey betting total.  Tampa Bay stands at 32-11-6 straight up and 27-21 over /under.  In sum, Tampa Bay has NHL metrics of 8^th for goal scoring, 19^th for power-play efficiency, 10^th for goals against, and 13^th for penalty killing.

Of course, a great deal of the Lightning’s success comes from goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.  Thus far, Vasilievskiy has a save percentage of .922 with a 2.27 goals-against average.  Most NHL observers and handicappers agree that Vasy is arguably the best goaltender in the NHL.

Edmonton Oilers at Tampa Bay Lightning Against the Spread

Overall, Tampa Bay is 8-2 against the Oilers.  The Oilers and Lightning are 4-7 under the hockey betting total in their series.  Edmonton is 0-8 when visiting Tampa Bay.  Further.  The Oilers and Lightning are 2-5-1 under the total at Tampa Bay

Edmonton has won six of its last seven away games.  Also, the Oilers are 3-6-1 under the total on the road.  Tampa Bay is 15-5 in their previous 20 home games.  The Lightning is 2-5 under the total on home ice.

Edmonton Oilers at Tampa Bay Lightning CashBet Free Pick  

In this situation, the Oilers are a team with NHL gambling momentum and a great price.

Oilers at Lightning CashBet Best Bet: 

Edmonton Oilers