Once upon a time grade school kids were taught about the little engine that could. Today’s Blue Jackets resemble that tale. Columbus lacks the elite talent level of most NHL contenders. But the Blue Jackets do have the best work ethic. Coach John Tortorella has the complete buy-in from his players. Structure, defense, and shot-blocking frustrate more talented teams. One of those clubs is the Lightning. Tampa Bay may never live down its NHL betting odds Upset loss to the Jackets in 2019. Since that humiliating debacle, the Lightning has dreamed of getting revenge.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – Game 5
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, August 19, 2020, Noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario |
| Lightning vs. Blue Jackets TV Coverage: | NBCSN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Jackets | +1½ (-175) | 5 (-110) | +150 |  |
| Lightning | -1½ (+155) | 5 (-110) | -170 | |
| ||||
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus SBG Odds Overview
Last year’s shocker does give the Blue Jackets sports betting cache. Columbus has more appeal to handicappers than similar type teams. Marquee Men are not on the Blue Jackets roster. Bruises and Purple Hearts are their brand. Counter to that is public awareness of the Lightning’s unique ability. Tampa Bay is a team that casual bettors are comfortable with.
Tampa Bay Lightning Team Overview
Following Tampa Bay’s 2-1 win in game four the Lightning lead the series 3-1. If the Lightning wins game five, they will clinch the series. Tampa Bay was the highest-scoring team in the NHL and ranked eight for goals against.
Key Tampa Bay Lightning: C Brayden Point 4 G, 3 A, 7 PTS, -1 +/-, 0 PPG, 1PPA, 0 SHG, 17.4 SPCT, D Victor Hedman 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS, 2 +/-, 0 PPG, 1 PPA, 0 SHG, 1 SPCT, G Andrei Vasilevskiy 5-2, 1.76 GAA, .932 SVPCT, 0 SO,
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Overview
Overall, Columbus has been a tough out. Blue Jackets’ tenacity and work ethic is the best in the NHL. Of major concern is that CBJ is simply outgunned. Columbus lacks Tampa Bay’s depth and skill.
Key Blue Jackets: C Pierre Luc Dubois 4 G, 5 A, 9 PTS, 3 +/-, 1 PPG, 1 PPA, 0 SHG, 16.7 SPCT, D David Savard 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS, -2 +/-, 0 PPG, 0 PPA, 0 SHG, 0.0 SPCT, G Joonas Korpisalo 1.57 GAA, .953 SVPCT, 2 SO,
Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets Against the Spread
The Lightning, are:
- 4-8 in their last 12 games as chalk
- 1-6 under the total when laying cash
- 2-5 in their last seven games as chalk to Columbus
- 2-7 under the total when favored vs. the Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are:
- 5-3 in their last eight games as a dog
- 2-8 under the total when plus money
- 5-2 in their last seven overall games with the Lightning
- 2-7 under the total head to head with Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets SBG Free Pick
It is true that the Blue Jackets give nothing away. Opponents earn everything they get vs. Columbus. However, the five-OT second game has taken an obvious toll. For a team with little skill, fatigue can kill effort. Encompassing that is a much tougher Lightning club. Columbus taught them a painful lesson last year. Hence the Tampa Bay is using that failure as fuel for the NHL lines.
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets SBG Best Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning