The Tampa Bay Lightning (37-25-6) travel to face off against the San Jose Sharks (16-45-7) on Thursday, March 21st. This game will be played at SAP Center in San Jose and televised on NBCS. The Lightning are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Sharks are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Predators. Puck drop is set for 10:30 ET.

Lightning vs Sharks

The Tampa Bay Lightning Are Coming Off A Win

On the season, Tampa Bay has a record of 37-25-6, which puts them in 6th place in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Atlantic Division. Over their last ten games, the Lightning have gone 7-3 and they come into this game having won four straight games.

When playing on the road this year, Tampa Bay has gone 16-16-2, and they have been the favorite in 39 of their 68 games. Against Eastern Conference opponents, the Lightning have gone 20-19, and they have gone 24-13-2 when favored.

When favored, Tampa Bay has a puck line record of 17-22 this season and 35-33 overall. So far, the Lightning have 27 wins by multiple goals and have gone 6-4 over their last ten games vs. the puck line.

As the road team, the Lightning have a puck line record of 16-18 this season and 7-3 over their last ten road games. Overall, Tampa Bay’s average scoring differential is +.2 goals per game.

In their last game, the Lightning went up against the Golden Knights and emerged as winners with a score of 5-3. The Lightning managed to find the net three times in the 3rd period against the Golden Knights, following their two goals in the first period. One of Tampa Bay’s five goals came while in power play, while they scored one time when shorthanded. They finished the game with 21 shots on goal.

Going into the game, Tampa Bay was the underdog, giving them a win vs. the puck line. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals, with a combined total of 8 goals.

The San Jose Sharks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

At 16-45-7, the Sharks are in 16th place in the Western Conference and 8th in the Pacific Division. They have lost five straight games and are 0-5 in their last five games and 1-9 in their last ten games. San Jose is 16-45-7 as the underdog this season and 6-14 against Pacific Division opponents.

Through 68 games, the Sharks have 39 points. They are 10-19-3 at home and have lost five straight games as the underdog. In the Western Conference, San Jose is 8-29 and has not been favored in any of their 68 games this season.

San Jose enters the game with a puck line record of 31-37, and their average scoring margin for the season sits at -1.9 goals per game. So far, the Sharks have dropped 37 games by multiple goals.

As the underdog, the Sharks have a puck line record of 31-37, and their puck line losing streak is at four games. In their last ten games at home, San Jose has gone just 4-6 vs. the puck line.

Following a 8-2 loss on the road to the Predators, the Sharks are eager to bounce back. Offensively, the Sharks scored one goal in the first period and one time in the second period. In the game, San Jose managed to score all two goals at even strength. They concluded with 20 shots on goal and committed 5 turnovers.

Entering the game as the underdog, San Jose not only suffered a straight-up loss but also failed to cover the puck line. The over/under line going into the game was 6 goals, which the teams surpassed with their combined 10 goals.

Tampa Bay Offense Breakdown

In terms of their offensive performance, the Lightning are averaging 3.5 goals per game this season, putting them in the 5th spot in the NHL. When it comes to shots on goal per game, they are ranked 23rd in the league. In terms of the Lightning’s offense during power plays, they are 1st in power play goals and 20th in shorthanded goals.

This season, the Lightning have an over/under record of 34-30-4. Throughout the season, they have played 36 games that went over the 6.5 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 6.9 per game.

Sharks Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Sharks come in averaging 2.2 goals per game this season, which is 32nd in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 32nd in the league. In terms of power play goals, the Sharks offense is 29th in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they are 31st in the NHL.

This season, the Sharks’ have an over/under record of 31-34-3. Throughout the season, they have played 38 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.3 goals per game.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Defensively, the Lightning come into the season ranked 26th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.5 shots per game against Tampa Bay. For the season, they are ranked 11th in shutouts, coming in with 4 shutouts.

San Jose Team Defense

San Jose defense takes on the Lightning ranked 1st in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 33.9 shots per game against San Jose. They also are 30th in shutouts, with 1 shutouts.

Lightning vs Sharks Trends

• Although Tampa Bay has a straight up record of 7-3 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the puck line going 7-3. The team averaged 3 goals per game in these games.
• In their last ten games at home, the Sharks have a straight up record of 2-8 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 2 goals per game in this stretch.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, San Jose has an puck line mark of 5-5 while going 1-9 straight up.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the favorite, the Lightning have a straight up record of 2-3. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 1-4.

Lightning vs Sharks Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline bet in this one, we have the Lightning coming out on top. However, with the lines sitting at -366, I’d recommend looking to the puck line as our projections have the Lightning winning by more than one goal.

For a puck line pick, we are going with the Lightning to win and cover. Look for the Lightning to win this one by multiple goals over the Sharks.

If you’re looking at the the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will stay below that threshold, and we strongly suggest placing a bet on the under.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.