10/18 07:05PM NHL (21) TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING at (22) VANCOUVER CANUCKS
FREE PICK: (21) TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING +105
The Canucks are off to a sharp 3-0 start, but I’m taking that with a large grain of salt. Fact is, anything less than a perfect spot would have been a disappointment considering the competition. The Canucks have feasted on a menu of Calgary, Edmonton and Edmonton again. Tonight’s challenge is considerably more difficult as the Lightning make the trip west.
Tampa Bay comes into the season with high expectations, and the early returns have been okay, if not spectacular. The Lightning have only won two of their first four games, but they’ve looked better than that record might indicate.
The big difference between last year’s TampaBay entry and the current edition is that they’re going to be more physical. I really liked the acquisition of defenseman Jason Garrett. The former Canuck is a great fit with a Lightning team that’s determined to play with more of a defensive mindset. Garrett figures to be revved up for his return to Vancouver tonight, particularly since his being asked to waive his no-trade clause this summer was not especially well received when it happened.
I see one of the keys tonight resting with this being the second of back to backs for the Canucks. Vancouver had a tough time in this scenario last season and I believe they’re going to be vulnerable to the fresher and faster Lightning legs tonight.
Several of my early season plays are based on my pre-season perceptions of various teams. I’m not especially high on this Canucks squad, and feel the 3-0 start against soft opposition is a mirage. Tampa Bay represents a significant step up in competition, and with the Canucks being unrested, I don’t see them being up to the task at hand tonight. I’ve certainly got no problem with the price tag since the visitors are getting underdog odds right now. I’ll side with the Lightning to get the road win tonight.
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