The Vegas Golden Knights (21-7-5) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (15-13-5) on Thursday, December 21st. This game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa. The Lightning are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Golden Knights are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Hurricanes. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Tampa Bay Lightning

The Vegas Golden Knights Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

This season, the Golden Knights have an overall record of 21-7-5. On the road, Vegas holds a 9-4-3 mark, and they are 12-3-2 when playing at home. Their current record places them 1st in the Western Pacific division and 1st in the Western conference. This season, Vegas’ average scoring margin is +.9, which has their puck line record at 16-17. Their average home scoring margin is +1.3, and in road games, it stands at +.4.

The Golden Knights aim to bounce back following their 6-3 loss on the road to the Hurricanes. The Golden Knights scored one goal in the first period against the Hurricanes and found the net two times in the 3rd period. In the game, Vegas managed to score all three goals at even strength. They concluded with 33 shots on goal and committed 6 turnovers.

Vegas entered as the underdog and suffered both a straight-up loss and did not cover the puck line. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 6 goals, with a combined total of 9 goals.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Are Coming Off A Win

As they head into their game vs. the Golden Knights, the Lightning have a 15-13-5 record thus far. While playing at home, their record stands at 9-3-3, and they have 6-10-2 mark on the road. This record has them sitting 4th in the Eastern Atlantic division and 9th in the Eastern conference. Tampa Bay’s average scoring margin this season is -0.1, leading to an overall puck line record of 17-16. At their home arena, they have a scoring margin of +1.0, while on the road, it is -1.1.

The Lightning most recently faced the Blues at home and achieved a 6-1 win. Against the Blues, Lightning’s offense was able to score in all three periods. Of Tampa Bay’s six goals, one were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 33 shots on goal and 15 giveaways.

Tampa Bay came in as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage and, as a result, recorded a win against the puck line. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals, with a combined total of 7 goals.

Vegas Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Golden Knights are averaging 3.4 goals per game which is 3rd in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 2nd in the league. So far this year, the Golden Knights are 12-6 in games they have had more shots on goal than their opponent. They are 8-1 in games with fewer shots on goal.

The Golden Knights have posted an over/under record of 16-17-0 so far this season. During last season, they participated in 37 games that did not exceed the over/under line set at 6. On average, their games had 6.1 goals per game.

Tampa Bay Offense Breakdown

On the offensive side, the Lightning are scoring an 3.4 goals per game this season, ranking 5th in the NHL. When it came to shots on target per game, they are 7th in the league. The Lightning went 10-9 in games where they had more shots than their opponents. However, in games with fewer shots on goal, their record was 5-4.

The Lightning’s over/under record this season is 15-16-2. For the season, they have had 17 games that surpassed this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging6.8 goals per game.

Vegas Team Defense

The Golden Knights defense is currently 11th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.3 shots per game against Vegas. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 8th with 2 shutouts.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Tampa Bay defense takes on the Golden Knights ranked 6th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 30.8 shots per game against Tampa Bay. They alsso are 5th in shutouts, with 3 shutouts.

Golden Knights vs Lightning Trends

• Vegas has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 4 goals per game while allowing 3. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 4-1.
• Through their last five home contests, the Lightning offense has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing an average of 4. Tampa Bay posted an overall record of 2-3 while going 1-4 ATS.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Tampa Bay has an puck line mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight up.
• In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Golden Knights have a straight up record of 4-1, while going 2-3 against the spread.

Golden Knights vs Lightning Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Lightning to take down the Golden Knights at home. With the moneyline currently at -117, I’m placing my bet on the Lightning straight-up.

For a puck line prediction, our preference is the Lightning to secure a win and cover. Anticipate the Lightning to win this one by multiple goals over the Golden Knights.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering 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.