Opposites attract. Owing to that adage is the 2020 Eastern Conference Final. Defensively there are few teams better than the Islanders. Skill and speed are the labels slapped on the Lighting. Tampa Bay opened as an understandable favorite against New York. Causal fans handicapping the NHL betting odds associate the Lightning with quality. Correlate Tampa Bay has been a top tier contender for six straight seasons. New York is a new old power. Experienced gamblers recall their dynasty of 1980-83. Newer handicappers are not accustomed to the Isles being successful. However, head coach Barry Trotz has transformed that.
Eastern Conference Final: New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
| Date and Time: | Monday, September 7, 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta |
| Islanders vs. Lightning TV Coverage: | NBCSN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islanders | +1½ (-210) | 5 (-115) | +135 |  |
| Lightning | -1½ (+175) | 5 (-105) | -155 | |
| ||||
Islanders vs. Lightning Series Schedule
| GAme | Date |
|---|---|
| Game One | Monday, September 7, 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN |
| Game Two | Wednesday, September 9, 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN |
| Game Three | Friday, September 11, 8 p.m. ET on the USA |
| Game Four | Sunday, September 13, 3 p.m. ET on NBC |
All other names, dates, times, and networks to be determined
New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning SBG Odds Overview
On this occasion, squares will load up on the flashier Lightning. Tampa Bay’s perennial power appeals to the public’s offshore betting comfort zone. Sharps will give the Islanders a hard look. Playoff hockey is about toughness, character, and structure. Specifically, New York has that in spades.
New York Islanders Team Overview
Late on the Islanders defeated the Flyers in a seven-game series. Backup goaltender Thomas Greiss posted a 4-0 shutout win in game seven. New York has won 11 of its last 16.
Key New York Islanders: C Brock Nelson 7 G, 8 A, 15 PTS, 5 +/-, 1 PPG, 1 PPA, 0 SHG, 15.2 SPCT, LW Anthony Beauvillier 8 G, 4 A, 12 PTS, 8 +/-, 2 PPG, 2 PPA, 0 SHG, 15.1 SPCT, G Semyon Varlamov 9-4, 2.00 GAA, .921 SVPCT, 2 SO, G Thomas Greiss 2-1, 1.08 GAA, .960 SVPCT, 1 SO,
Tampa Bay Lightning Team Overview
Last series Tampa Bay defeated top seed Boston 4-1. And that was after losing the first game. Profits are building with 10 wins in 13 games for the Bolts.
Key Tampa Bay Lightning: C Brayden Point 6 G, 12 A, 18 PTS, 7 +/-, 0 PPG, 2 PPA, 0 SHG, 14.0 SPCT, D Victor Hedman 5 G, 4 A, 9 PTS, 11 +/-, 1 PPG, 1 PPA, 0 SHG, 11.4 SPCT, G Andrei Vasilievskiy 10-3, 1.91 GAA, .931 SVPCT, 0 SO
New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning Against the Spread
The Islanders are:
- 3-0 vs. the line as an underdog
- 3-1 over the total at plus money
- 3-2 as a dog to the Lightning
- 1-3-2 under the total when plus money vs. Tampa Bay
The Lightning Are:
- 10-4 against the line in their last 14 games as a favorite
- 3-9-1 under the total when favored
- 1-2 this season head to head with the Islanders
- 1-3-2 under the total against New York
New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the Lightning seems like a team of destiny. They have brought great value to the NHL lines. New York is tough and respected. However, they are outclassed here.
Islanders vs. Lightning SBG Best Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning