Two of the NHL’s best franchises will open a new era Tuesday night. Namely, the Penguins and Lightning are synonymous with NHL betting odds success. Meanwhile, ESPN is renowned as the “World Wide Leader in Sports.” Following a 17-year separation, the NHL and ESPN have reunited. Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh are the first game on the network since Game-7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final. Thus, there is going to be both significant anticipation and curiosity for a major landmark event. Fans and gamblers are thrilled with two top contenders to hail the start of the NHL season.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida |
| Penguins at Lightning TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penguins | +1½ (-170) | 6 (-115) | +155 |  |
| Lightning | -1½ (+150) | 6 (-105) | -175 | |
| ||||
Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning SBG Odds Overview
Gamblers will have their choice of two name-brand sportsbook power franchises. Of great concern is a rash of injuries to key Penguins players. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel are all out of the lineup. That is a considerable amount of firepower. On the other hand, the defending Stanley Cup champions at home will command a top price. Cause by the masses loading up with them against the injury-riddled Penguins.
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
The Penguins have an odd hybrid of older veterans and aspiring young players. Still, Sidney Crosby remains the face of the franchise. Last year the tandem of Team President Brian Burke and General Manager Ron Hextall gave Pittsburgh a much-needed spark. However, in the playoffs, the Penguins were exposed for their weak goaltending and lack of depth.
Of major concern is that the Penguins have not upgraded between the pipes. Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith remain the goaltending duo. That does not inspire confidence in fans or gamblers.
Tampa Bay Lightning Team Overview
Two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay remains one of the model franchises in all of the pro sports. Most important of all, the Lightning brings back most key contributors from their two championship teams. Namely, centers Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos left wing Ondrej Palat, right-wing Nikita Kucherov, defensemen Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh, and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. This core brings the NHL’s strongest foundation.
Head coach Jon Cooper was celebrated as one of the NHL’s best before winning two Stanley Cups. Following an epic 2019 playoff failure, the Lightning stuck with Cooper. As a result, they were rewarded with the glory of Lord Stanley’s chalice.
Last year goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made his claim of being the best in the NHL. In the Stanley Cup Final against Montreal, he was clearly superior to the Canadiens’ Carey Price. Of course, Price has been touted as the best netminder in hockey for the past several years. Tampa Bay knows it can take more chances than most teams because of Vasilevskiy. Thus, his dominant goaltending adds to the potential of opening up the Lightning offense.
And then defenseman Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh give the Lightning a huge advantage. In a league where strong blue line play is mandatory, the Bolts get a huge edge from this tandem.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning SBG Free Picks
In this NHL betting situation, the Penguins are too shorthanded against such a powerful opponent. Look for the Lightning to usher in ESPN and the new season with an emphatic statement-making win.
Penguins at Lightning SBG Best Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning.