The Tampa Bay Lightning (18-15-5) travel to face off against the Winnipeg Jets (22-9-4) on Tuesday, January 2nd. This game will be played at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 8:00 ET.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets

The Tampa Bay Lightning Are Coming Off A Win

This season, the Lightning currently hold an overall record of 18-15-5. When playing on the road, Tampa Bay has a 7-10-2 record, while they are 11-5-3 at home. In the Eastern Atlantic division, they are currently 4th, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 8th. Tampa Bay’s average scoring margin for the season is -0.2, resulting in an overall puck line record of 18-20. When playing at home their scoring margin is +.6, whereas in away games, they are at -0.9.

In their most recent game, the Lightning hosted the Canadiens and secured a 4-3 victory. During the first period, the Lightning started slow, but they turned things around by scoring two times in the second period and two goals in the third. All four goals came at even strength. They finished with 20 shots on goal and had 7 turnovers.

Tampa Bay couldn’t cover the puck line despite the straight-up win, as they entered the game as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage. The combined total of 7 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals for the game.

The Winnipeg Jets Are Coming Off A Win

Coming into their game vs. Lightning, the Jets have a 22-9-4 record. They hold a 12-5-2 record when playing at home, and they have gone 10-4-2 on the road. This record has them sitting 2nd in the Western Central division and 4th in the Western conference. Winnipeg’s average scoring difference this season sits at +.8, which has contributed to their overall puck line record of 21-14. When playing at home, they have a scoring margin of +.9, and on the road, it is +.8.

The Jets are coming off a 3-2 road win over the Wild. During the first period, the Jets started slow, but they turned things around by scoring one time in the second period and two goals in the third. Of Winnipeg’s three goals, one were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 29 shots on goal and three giveaways.

Winnipeg couldn’t cover the puck line despite the straight-up win, as they entered the game as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage. The game ended below the over/under line of 6, with a combined total of 5 goals.

Tampa Bay Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Lightning come in averaging 3.3 goals per game this season, which is 5th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 10th in the league. In terms of the Lightning’s offense during power plays, they are 1st in power play goals and 30th in shorthanded goals.

This season, the Lightning have an over/under record of 17-18-3. Throughout the season, they have played 19 games that went over the 6 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 6.7 per game.

Winnipeg Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Jets are averaging 3.3 goals per game which is 13th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 19th in the league. Looking at how the Jets’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 23rd in power play goals and 17th in shorthanded goals.

The Jets’ over/under record this season is 14-17-4. For the season, they have had 16 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging 5.9 goals per game.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Defensively, the Lightning are currently 7th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 30.7 shots per game against Tampa Bay. They also are 5th in shutouts, coming in with 3 shutouts.

Winnipeg Team Defense

Defensively, the Jets come into the season ranked 26th in goals allowed. Opponents are averging 28.7 shots per game against Winnipeg. For the season, they are ranked 24th in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.

Lightning vs Jets Trends

• Across the Lightning last five road games, the team averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 3. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 1-4, while going 3-2 straight-up.
• When looking at their past five home matchups, Winnipeg has an puck line record of 2-3 while averaging 2 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
• The Jets have played well in their last three games as the betting underdog, going 3-0 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.
• Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Lightning have an overall record of 2-1 while going 0-3 against the spread.

Lightning vs Jets Prediction

For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Jets to secure a victory over the Lightning at home. With the moneyline currently set at -134, I’m locking in my bet on the Jets straight-up.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Lightning to cover. Even in the event of a Jets victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Lightning should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

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

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* 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.