The Colorado Avalanche were able to defend home ice in Game One with a 4-3 overtime victory. The Avs jumped out to an early 3-1 lead at the end of the first period, but the Lightning clawed their way back and forced the game to overtime. Ultimately, the Avalanche pulled out the win from a goal from Andre Burakovsky.
Tampa proved to be able to play right along with the Colorado Avalanche, which surely will give them confidence heading into Game Two in Denver. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM EST, and viewers can tune in to ABC to watch the highly anticipated matchup.
The Lightning are the moneyline underdog with +134 odds, while the Avalanche are the favorites with -148 ods.
Tampa Goes for the Split
The Tampa Bay Lightning would love nothing less than a split on the road to begin this Stanley Cup Finals series. It would give them unmeasurable confidence and let a seed of doubt creep into their opponent’s head.
They proved to themselves that they are able to make a comeback if necessary. If the Lightning can get a quicker start to their game, they should be able to match up shift for shift with the Avalanche. Expect this veteran team, led by their captain Steven Stamkos to provide the spark this team needs.
Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy will once again be asked to slow down one of the most potent offensive attacks in the NHL. He has a playoff save percentage of .926, which he will look to continue moving up in Game Two.
If this veteran group can split the first two games on the road, the defending champs will have all the confidence in the world that they can go for a three-peat.
Colorado Must Weather the Storm
The Colorado Avalanche were able to hold in in regulation to earn the Game One victory in overtime. This team is hungry for a championship and has all the pieces to do just that. They are showing that they can win in various ways and compete with any opponent.
Dynamic forward Nathan Mackinnon was able to register an assist in Game One to help his team to victory. He will continue to lead by example for the Avalanche in his quest for his first Stanley Cup.
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was able to keep the Lightning’s offensive pressure at bay in Game One. He made 20 saves in his 60-plus minute winning effort. A veteran of the sport will be sure to be locked in for Game Two as he knows that Tampa will be coming even harder.
Pick and Prediction
Game One showed fans all around the world that this series has the potential to be one of the closest and most entertaining Stanley Cup Finals in recent history. An overtime contest with back and forth chances from either team gives viewers excitement heading into Game Two.
The two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning have not lost back-to-back games since they got swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2019 playoffs. Don’t expect that to change in Game Two on Friday evening in Denver.
Pick the veteran-led Tampa Bay Lightning to win Game Two with the +134 odds on the moneyline.
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.