Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to host the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night for a showdown in the Central Division. These two teams have built up a nice rivalry in recent seasons, and that has been the case in the previous matchups this season as well.

Chicago has lost four of their last five games, and they are starting to lose their grip on a playoff spot in the Central. The Blackhawks still come into this game with 33 points but are just four points ahead of Columbus.

Tampa Bay sits atop the Central Division with 42 points, and the defending Stanley Cup champions look like a real threat to repeat. The Lightning have gone 4-2 in their last six games, and they will look to stay red-hot.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are -235 in this matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.

Chicago Giving up Goals

The Chicago Blackhawks are allowing 3.2 goals per game this season, and this is a team that continues to struggle to slow down opposing teams. Chicago is scoring three goals per game, but they can’t afford to play in a high-scoring affair every night.

Goaltenders Malcolm Subban and Kevin Lankinen have been solid in net for the Blackhawks, but they are starting to show some cracks. The Blackhawks are killing off just 73 percent of their penalties, and that could be an issue against Tampa Bay.

Patrick Kane continues to lead the Blackhawks on offense with 30 assists and 42 total points. Chicago has been one of the league’s best on the power play, and that unit will need to convert on Thursday.

Lighting Can Really Score

The Tampa Bay Lightning are scoring 3.6 goals per game, and there are offensive weapons all over the ice. This team has scored more than 28 percent of the time on the power play, and they have killed off over 85 percent of their penalties.

Center Steven Stamkos leads the team with 14 goals and 27 points, and he really sets the tone of this team. Victor Hedman leads the team with 22 assists, and Tampa Bay is relentless in the pressure they put on opponents.

Tampa Bay is holding opponents to just 3.6 goals per game, and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been terrific this season. There simply aren’t any holes on this roster, and the Lightning are a tough team to beat.

Blackhawks Bounce Back

Chicago has been one of the most surprising teams in the league this season, and they always seem to respond when being down. The Tampa Bay Lightning present a unique and tough challenge, but the Blackhawks have battled them all season long.

This could be a game that features plenty of goals, but the Blackhawks are one of the few teams in the league that can score with the Lightning. Chicago doesn’t mind playing this style of game, and they won’t back down from Tampa bay.

The Blackhawks need to get back on track with a win, and beating the Lightning will provide a huge boost of confidence. Look for this game to be decided by just one goal, and Chicago gets the game-winner.

Bet the Chicago Blackhawks money line over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.