NHL betting tips: Odds, props and picks for Oilers-Lightning
Leon Draisaitl for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Connor Hellebuyck for the Vezina. Macklin Celebrini for the Calder. While it remains too early to throw around the "L" word (lock), some races for individual awards are stretching out in less dramatic fashion than others. But not in every case. While sitting a distant fourth in odds to be named the most valuable player to his team, one particular performer in Tampa shouldn't be counted out yet.
Hart Trophy Winner, Nikita Kucherov +1000Somehow, the skater who's averaging more points/game (1.57) than any other -- more than Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid etc. -- is listed at +1000 to secure an individual award many believe he deserved last season. Trailing MacKinnon by four points and Draisaitl by three, Kucherov has failed to dent the scoresheet on only seven occasions this season. Celebrated as one of the game's elite playmakers, he also scores in the clutch. Despite potting "only" 26 goals thus far, seven have counted as game-winners.
Then there's the element of value, a key component in distinguishing the Hart Memorial Trophy. One could efficiently argue that Kucherov is more valuable to his team than just about anyone else, as illustrated by NHL Senior Writer Greg Wyshynski in his latest Bubble Watch piece.
"With 83 points in 53 games this season, it's fairly safe to say that Nikita Kucherov can drive a line. Through 46 games together, the line of Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point and Kucherov is averaging 3.82 goals per 60 minutes. When Kucherov has played with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel, that line has averaged 3.86 goals per 60 minutes. Nikita Kucherov: good at hockey."
How's that for value? If Draisaitl and Hellebuyck falter just a bit down the stretch, and the Lightning superstar maintains his consistent pace, the contest to nail down this year's Hart Memorial Trophy will remain much in the air. So maybe take the +1000 odds when still on offer. If not, at least consider Kucherov for the Art Ross Trophy at +200.
Bonus future long shot:Tampa Bay Lightning Atlantic Division winner (+375): While much attention is given to what's largely perceived as a two-horse race between the Florida Panthers and division-leading Toronto Maple Leafs, the Lightning are right there, lurking just four points shy of Toronto, with a game in hand. Florida sits within even closer range, three points up, having played two more contests. Currently the hottest team of the three, Kucherov and Co. are 6-0-1 since Jan. 30. Even when goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy hasn't performed at his stingiest best, Jon Cooper's crew out front has sufficiently filled the net. They're figuring out how to get it done.
Strength of schedule-wise to wrap 2024-25, Tampa sits middle of the road, facing a good number of non-contending opponents in the East: Buffalo Sabres (3), Philadelphia Flyers (2), Boston Bruins (2), New York Islanders (2), Pittsburgh Penguins (1). Plus, we can count on GM Julien BriseBois to tinker, at minimum, if not add a more significant figure or two ahead of the Mar. 7 trade deadline. At which point, the odds, presently set at +375 will inevitably shrink. From this end-of-February view, the Lightning have as reasonable a shot at finishing atop of the Atlantic as Toronto.
Latest odds as of publication. For odds movement, go to ESPN BET.
Featured gameEdmonton Oilers at Tampa Bay Lightning7:30 p.m. ET, Amelie Arena
Oilers (+1.5, -275), -105 money line
Lightning (-1.5, +200), -115 money line
Total 6.5: (Over -105, Under -115)
Tampa Bay Lightning money line (-115): Since Jan. 30, Tampa is 6-0-1, averaging 4.14 goals/game while surrendering only 2.00. Over that same stretch, the Oilers are 2-4-1 while allowing 4.14/contest. The Lightning are 19-7-2 at home. From the net out, Edmonton's defense appears in shambles, giving up seven goals to the Washington Capitals on Sunday, after yielding six to the Flyers on Saturday. Other than McDavid's crew is due to turn matters around, there's no argument to be made against a Tampa victory on Tuesday.
Nikita Kucherov total power play points over 0.5 (+105): The league-leader in power-play points is facing a team with the third-worst penalty kill (68.2%) since Jan. 1. Again, Edmonton has surrendered 13 goals in their two games since the break. Unless the Oilers -- who gave up two power-play goals to the Capitals Sunday despite drawing only two minor penalties -- play an exceptionally disciplined game, this feels like a very comfortable proposition option.
Brayden Point total shots on goal over 2.5 (-106): Scoring a goal and an assist in his first game back, the Lightning winger looks no worse for wear after charming the pro-Canadian crowd with his effective play at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Quite the opposite. Sitting second only to Kucherov in shots with 161 on the year, and skating on a second scoring line and top power play, Hagel presents as a healthy option to fire at least three on the Oilers' net this occasion.
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