Expectations remain sky-high for the Tampa Bay Lightning as they continue to cement themselves as one of the NHL‘s premier franchises. Fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, Tampa fell just short of a three-peat in 2022 but enter 2023 still viewed among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
An enviable core led by Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Victor Hedman keeps the Lightning in the mix to capture another championship. Their postseason pedigree cannot be questioned after three straight Finals appearances and the confidence that comes with recent titles. Though the 2023 squad lacks some departed depth pieces, elite high-end talent has Tampa eyeing more banners to raise at Amalie Arena. Another deep playoff run seems inevitable for the battle-tested Bolts.
Tampa Bay Lightning Next Game
Take stock of betting lines for the next Lightning game before making your final wagers. Find out whether they’re playing at home and make sure they fare well against their next opponet.
Tampa Bay Lightning Regular Season Schedule
Strategic bettors will use the Lightning’s entire regular-season schedule to plan ahead on their wagers. Game lines won’t be available weeks in advance, but it is possible to spot areas of opportunity or stretches that will be potentially problematic.
Try to spot long road trips (an issue), extended home stands (favorable) or stretches in which they play a lot of back-to-backs (also an issue). Also consider circling matchups with fellow Eastern Conference superpowers such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.
Tampa Bay Lightning Standings
Tracking the Lightning’s spot in the NHL standings is a great way to gauge their appeal on the futures-betting front. If their record holds up to those of other known contenders—think along the lines of the Maple Leafs or Nashville Predators—it’s safe to say you’ll want to take a closer look at their odds. If you see that they’re lagging behind the field, that’s when you’ll want to consider your other options.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Tips
Use these tips to make sure you're placing the right types of bets on Tampa.
An Offense For The Era
The Lightning's offense is the rare combination of efficient and high-octane. Not only do they lead the NHL in total goals scored, but they have one of the five highest shooting percentages in the league.
Center Brayden Point is a revelation. He paces the team in scoring and has the chance to lead the NHL in total individual goals scored—all at the age of 22. Nikita Kucherov, meanwhile, is a solid No. 2. He scores his fair share of goals, but he's one of the game's top assist men.
Of course, playing as the Lightning do often comes at a cost. They expend so much energy on the offensive side of the ice that it creates opportunities for their opponents by default. They're not always in position on the break, so they're going to give up more scores than many other great teams.
Still, compared to the 2017-18 season, the Lightning are closer to average than not. And that, in turn, has unleashed their regular season series. They're covering about 75 percent of their spreads, an astronomical number that should come down, but still figures to be high all the same.
A decade into their run as an offensive juggernaut, the Lightning remain one of the NHL's highest-scoring teams. Led by Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos and rising star Brandon Hagel up front, Tampa generates chances at an incredible clip. They may not lead the league in goals like in years past, but their efficiency and explosiveness is unmatched.
At age 25, center **Brayden Point** has emerged as the focal point, pacing the team in scoring once again. Wingers **Nikita Kucherov** and **Steven Stamkos** remain elite contributors even as they age. Tampa can light the lamp with the best of them.
The one downside is such an aggressive attack leaves the Lightning vulnerable defensively at times. They have to expend so much energy on offense that it creates transition chances. This explains Tampa allowing more goals than in recent seasons - they aren't always in ideal position.
Yet the Lightning seem to have achieved a better balance entering 2023. They trimmed some high-flying depth for two-way reliability after disappointing playoff exits. A stingy blue line and blossoming goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy give Tampa much-needed support.
Are The Lightning Stanley Cup Contenders?
This isn't a question you need to think long and hard about. The Lightning are absolutely in the Stanley Cup conversation. They might even be the NHL's best team.
Even after falling short of a three-peat last season, the Lightning remains firmly in the run for the 2024 Stanley Cup. Their championship pedigree and wealth of prime-aged stars keep Tampa among the top Cup threats.
A decade of contending has made the Lightning favorites almost every season. Their current odds sit between +2000 and +2200 at most sportsbooks. Now with extended playoff experience, young contributors like Point and Vasilevskiy further cement Tampa's status.
Hockey-Reference's Simple Rating System, which uses point differentials and strength of schedules to create a precise hiearchy, considers the Lightning a top-four team. Only the Predators, Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche have a real case to be placed over them.
Look below for the top sportsbooks so you can see where you can wager online and figure out which is best for you:
