The Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings take to the ice again tonight in an NHL Playoffs Game 5 matchup. The game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on the NBC Sports Network. Currently the betting odds for the game have the Lightning favored in overwhelming fashion to pick up their third win in the series.
Detroit really blew a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead in this series on Thursday night. The Red Wings led by two goals late in the game, but the Lightning were able to tie it up late and eventually scored the game-winner by Tyler Johnson just a few minutes into overtime. That loss certainly has to be a tough one for the Red Wings, who now have to go on the road and try and win another game in Tampa Bay.
The Lightning were the best team in hockey in their own building during the regular season. Detroit was able to sneak past them in Game 2, stealing home ice advantage, but that went away when Tampa Bay won on Thursday. Still, the Red Wings should be able to take some positives from winning in Tampa Bay earlier in the series. Luke Glendening played well to give the Red Wings an advantage as he was put in charge to follow Johnson as closely as possible. In Game 2 Johnson scored twice and his line scored all three goals in the overtime win on Thursday, taking advantage when Glendening went out with a hand injury that cost the Red Wings the game. He's officially listed as "day-to-day" for the Red Wings, but should be playing tonight.
Both Petr Mrazek and Ben Bishop have played well in net for their respective teams and they'll need solid games again today. Mrazek has not allowed a goal by Steven Stamkos in the series. Bishop has surrendered just five goals to the Red Wings the last three games overall, where the teams split those games. Technically Detroit scored an empty net tally at the end of Game 3, as well.
For the Red Wings to win this game, it's going to have to be low-scoring. If the Lightning get out early and become confident with the puck, it could be a tough day for Detroit. The red and white are going to need good games on the offensive end of the floor from both Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, the two leaders of the team. Detroit will look to slow this game town, they'll keep the Lightning off the scoreboard and steal another game in Tampa.
Free Pick: Red Wings
Handicapping Tips: MLB Specialization
What Pro Baseball bettors need to know about betting specialization in major league baseball, with tips and insight from Pregame.com’s Teddy Covers and Steve Fezzik.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for the MLB Season with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!