NHL Hockey
2012-03-22 - Edmonton Oilers at Tampa Bay Lightning
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012, 7:30PM US
(11:30AM GMT)
PREVIEW
Tampa Bay's hopes at making the playoffs are disappearing, and they are not going to host Edmonton while dealing with the loss of as many as 8 regulars through injury. Their recent form is cause for concern, as they have gone 1-5-1 in their last 7 games.
Edmonton have caused some upsets recently. I lost a bet going against them a few days ago when they went and thumped Nashville 6-3. Ales Hemsky scored a hattrick against the Predators and Sam Gagner also scored and had an assist. Despite the win, they did concede 3 goals, and that was with their first choice goaltender, Devan Dubnyk, playing. Tonight, they will have Nikolai Khabibulin between the pipes. He used to play for Tampa Bay, winning the title with them in 2004.
Tampa Bay are not making use of home ice in recent games, losing 4 of their last 5. They have lost to Edmonton the last 3 meetings, and the last one had a lot of goals in it, with Edmonton coming out the winner after a 4-3 finish. Tampa's defence look vulnerable when a man down, allowing an average of 1 PP goal per game over their last 13 contests.
Edmonton should be in for a tough match here nevertheless. Tampa Bay are desperate and should go for all out attack, and are ably led in points, assists and goals by forward Jordan Eberle, who is having a productive season. Edmonton are giving up well over 3 goals per away game, and Tampa Bay are scoring and conceding well over 3 at home. We may well see another 3-3 finish that requires OT.
