Free Picks: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Carolina and Tampa Bay have been neck-and-neck all season. Facing off for the 7th time this season, I take a look at the underdog in this contest. The Hurricanes and Lightning are on the same level, so I focus on value for this free NHL pick. Will taking the underdog be genius? We’ll find out Monday evening if selecting the underdog could prove to be profitable.

Despite the defending Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning still in the mix of the Central Division, they do not own the best record in their division.

That honor goes to the Carolina Hurricanes. Contenders for the Cup this season, Carolina faces a huge test against a team that knows what it takes to succeed.

With that being said, the Lightning are 3-2-1 against the Hurricanes this season. Standings have not impacted the regular season odds, as the Lightning are considered the favorite in Monday’s contest.

I think there is tremendous value in betting on the underdog in this contest. With Tampa Bay being the favorite, I think taking the Hurricanes’ ML will be the way to go.

The Hurricanes have been one of the few teams this season to challenge the Lightning defensively. Overall, Carolina is ranked 3rd in the league in goals against.

Defense wins hockey games and that is a huge reason why I am siding with Carolina for this NHL prediction. Tampa Bay’s offense is highly touted, but if they cannot score, they cannot win.

This season, the Canes have shutout the Lightning on two occasions. Those shutouts were the only times Tampa Bay were held goalless all season.

The Hurricanes’ offense might not be as menacing as the Lightning’s, but they have proven that it only takes one goal to capture a win.

Another reason why I think the Hurricanes can take this straight up is their ability to hold opponents to minimal shots. Carolina ranks 7th in shots against per game.

In terms of shots per game, the Hurricanes rank 3rd in that category as well. Even though the Lightning have taken 3 wins from the Hurricanes this season, I really like how Carolina allows fewer shots and takes more shots than TB.

I can’t hide away from the fact that Tampa is a strong team. But the Hurricanes are on the same level and I love the value. I rarely take underdogs on BetPicks, but I am confident in this selection.

• Carolina are 7-2 SU in last 9 games on the road.
• The Hurricanes are 13-7 on the road this season.
• The Canes score 3.10 goals per game on the road.
• The Hurricanes rank 10^th in road scoring.