Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators 10/15/23 – The NHL regular season is in full swing as the Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1-0) prepare to face the Ottawa Senators (1-1-0). Both teams have exhibited an equal win-loss record and aim to secure a lead early in the season. Set in the home arena of the Senators, Canadian Tire Centre, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, and for those looking to get in on the action, we bring you the latest NHL picks and prediction.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators
Date & Time: Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Location: Canadian Tire Centre
TV: NHL
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators 10/15/23 Betting Odds
Team | Moneyline | Puckline | Total |
Lightning | -125 | +1.5 (-230) | 6.5 over (-125) |
Senators | +100 | -1.5 (+190) | 6.5 under (+109) |
Tampa Bay Lightning Analysis
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s offense is spearheaded by the formidable trio of Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman. Both Kucherov and Stamkos, with 2 goals and 2 assists each from just 2 games, exhibit a synergy that few defensive teams have been able to contain. Their high shooting percentages, especially Kucherov’s impressive 28.6%, hint at a consistent offensive rhythm. Hedman, despite being in defense, is contributing crucially in offensive plays, suggesting a versatile strategy from Tampa Bay. This firepower is set to push Ottawa’s defensive boundaries, aiming to exploit any vulnerabilities they present.
On the defensive side of things, Tampa Bay’s performance has been slightly inconsistent. While their goaltender, Jonas Johansson, has a decent save percentage of 0.889 over 2 games, there are underlying concerns. An average of 3 goals against per game is on the higher side, and this could be an area of concern against an Ottawa offense that’s been finding the net frequently. Tampa Bay will need to bolster their defensive strategies, ensuring they’re equipped to counter Ottawa’s key offensive players.
Ottawa Senators Analysis
At the heart of Ottawa’s offensive strategy is the surprising performance of Jakob Chychrun in defense, who is not just maintaining a solid backline but is also driving forward with a notable 50% shooting percentage. Alongside him, Parker Kelly and Mathieu Joseph have been impactful in their respective roles. Both players have managed to chalk up 2 points each from their initial 2 games, showcasing their capability to disrupt defensive formations. Given Tampa Bay’s defensive concerns, the Senators might have a window of opportunity here. They’ll look to harness their frontline’s form to create scoring chances and put pressure on the Lightning’s goalie.
Defensively, the Senators seem to be in a peculiarly identical situation to Tampa Bay. Their goalie, Jonas Johansson, holds statistics that are a mirror image of Tampa Bay’s netminder. This parity in the goaltending realm means the outcome may pivot on which team can exert more pressure offensively. While the Senators have home advantage and a track record of capitalizing on it, they’ll need to be wary of Tampa Bay’s offensive stalwarts, ensuring they don’t get too many clear shots at the goal.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators Against the Spread
Tampa Bay’s recent betting trends have been quite interesting. The total has consistently gone OVER in 10 of their last 13 games, suggesting a propensity for high-scoring games. However, with only 2 wins in their last 7 games and a shaky record against Eastern Conference teams, it’s a mixed bag for Tampa Bay. Their record against Ottawa is favorable, winning 8 of their last 12 matchups.
The Senators, on the other hand, have had the total go OVER in 4 of their last 6 games and boast an impressive home record, winning 6 of their last 7 games at home. Their matchups against Tampa Bay have been high-scoring affairs, with the total going OVER in 4 of the last 5 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Senators +100
Given the Senators strong home record and equally matched goaltending, the Senators might just have the edge in this game.
Spread: Lightning +1.5 (-230)
Despite some of the Lightning recent losses, the Lightning’s record against the Senators and their offensive capabilities make them a safe bet on the spread.
Total: 6.5 over (-125)
Both teams have had a consistent history of high-scoring games, and with both teams’ offensive threats, it’s likely this game will be no different.
Predicted Score: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Ottawa Senators 3
In conclusion, while the Senators have a slight edge playing at home and a strong recent home record, the Lightning’s offensive capabilities can’t be ignored. For those engaging in sports betting in Canada, the spread and total seem to be the most reliable picks for this match-up. Whatever the outcome, fans are in for an electrifying game.