LiontipsTampa Bay vs Columbus. Predictions and Betting Tips for NHL (April 23, 2021).
Command Analysis
Tampa have suffered a long period when they couldn't regain good form and were losing precious points too often. The team are on a home streak, which started well with a victory over Florida (3:2 OT). In the return match, the Lightning was unable to repeat their success and in the end they lost 3:5. The goaltender Vasilevsky didn't have a good game, blocking only 87% of the shots.
Then the Lightning exchanged victories with Carolina, first gaining the upper hand in overtime (3:2 OT), but losing the return game with a score of 1:4. This time the defense just collapsed under the Hurricanes' pressure. Because of the loss of those lost points, Tampa dropped to third place in the standings.
Columbus are still in terrible form, and their losing streak has reached seven games. In 16 matches the team could only win twice - both over Tampa Bay. Such weak results are mainly caused by an inability to build a good defense and to hold back the opponent's pressure.
Blue Jackets have an away streak that kicked off with two humiliating defeats from Dallas (1:4 and 1:5). The goaltender Korpisalo was extremely disappointing, and he had to be replaced in the second period. Later the Jackets were defeated by Florida twice (2:4 and 1:5).
Trends
Ставка1st period: Tampa to win
In two out of three head-to-head games, Tampa prevailed in the first period.
СтавкаGoal in each period: yes
In only two head-to-head matches out of seven, the teams didn't score in each period.
Tip and bets
Columbus is an uncomfortable opponent for Tampa, and the Lightning are often beaten by them. But at the moment, Blue Jackets are in terrible form, and that means good chances for Tampa to win.
Our prediction is Tampa to win with a handicap (-1.5) goal.
In head-to-head games, the clubs rarely sit back, on the contrary, they are both used to playing open attacking hockey. Columbus have had serious setbacks in their defense lately, and the same can be said for Tampa. So in this game, you can bet on the total over.
Second prediction -total over 5.5 goals.
