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BETS: Best Picks for Lightning vs Golden Knights

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  • What: NHL Regular Season Game
  • When: March 23, 2025
  • Who:   Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Vegas Golden Knights
  • Time:  5:00 p.m. PST
  • Where: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas, NV)

The Tampa Bay Lightning aim to even the score at the top of the Atlantic Division by extending their winning streak against the Vegas Golden Knights to four games this Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Currently sitting third in their division, the Lightning are just two points behind the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

On the other hand, the Golden Knights have their own goals in sight, striving to maintain their lead in the Pacific Division.

They are currently three points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers, though the Los Angeles Kings are close behind, just two points off with a game in hand.

Tampa Bay

The Lightning experienced a rollercoaster battle in their first matchup with Vegas, initially falling behind 1-0. J.J. Moser quickly brought them back into contention by scoring an equalizer.

However, they trailed again until Nikita Kucherov leveled the score again. By the end of the second period, the Bolts found themselves down 3-2, and it seemed like they were in trouble.

Yet, they rallied in the third period, with Brandon Hagel tying the game. In a dramatic finish, Kucherov secured the victory with a goal with just 55 seconds remaining.

The Lightning registered 25 shots on goal but struggled on the power play, going 0 for 2 and scoring all their goals at even strength. They won only 43.5 percent of faceoffs, indicating there was potential for more offensive opportunities had their puck possession been better.

In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy made 22 saves, conceding three goals. Defensively, the team accumulated 22 hits, blocked nine shots, and successfully killed 2 of 3 penalties.

For the Lightning to continue winning, they’ll need to maintain their strong offensive performance and ensure Kucherov keeps finding the net. Additionally, tightening up their defensive play will be essential to avoid early deficits.

Vegas

Jack Eichel continues to set records in Vegas with his remarkable performance for the Golden Knights. He remains one of the top players in the hockey world.

His exceptional passing ability makes him a crucial player for the Knights, so it was no surprise to see him register two assists during their recent loss to the Lightning.

The previous game began on a positive note when Brayden McNabb scored to give Vegas a 1-0 lead. Although the Lightning managed to tie the game, the Golden Knights regained the lead when Pavel Dorofeyev converted on a power play, making it 2-1.

However, Kucherov struck back to level the score at 2-2 as they entered the second period. Later, Ivan Barbashev put Vegas ahead 3-2 with a solid goal heading into the third.

Unfortunately, things unraveled as the Knights allowed the Bolts to equalize and ultimately secure a win with just a minute remaining in the game.

The Golden Knights registered 25 shots on goal and won 56.5 percent of faceoffs, while also going 1 for 3 on the power play. Despite these favorable stats, they couldn’t convert and need to find a way to maintain possession of the puck consistently.

Adin Hill made 24 saves but conceded four goals. While the defense successfully killed off two penalties, their struggles during even-strength play ultimately impacted their performance.

For the Golden Knights to turn things around, they will need Eichel to continue making key plays, whether by assisting others or scoring himself. Additionally, their defense must keep Kucherov in check moving forward.

Lightning-Golden Knights Best Bet

I believe Vegas is a strong home team and the better team overall. Given the presence of these two goalies, I expect a low-scoring game, so I’m inclined to favor the under as well.

Tampa’s defense will likely challenge Vegas’ offense, which adds to my belief that the total will stay under.

Vasilevskiy has a record of 3-2 in his last five games at T-Mobile Arena, with a goals-against average of 3.43 and a save percentage of .892.

I like the Under in this one more than I do a side, so I’m going to say Under 6 goals at -105 odds is the best bet in this one.

Best Bet: Under 6 Goals at -105 odds 

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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.

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