The National Hockey League playoff is back in action on Tuesday afternoon as the Columbus Blue Jackets grapple with the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. This is game one of a best-of-seven series.
Columbus Blue Jackets Form
The NHL might be played in a bubble hub city of Toronto, but that does not mean that there is no excitement.
The games are played at the Scotiabank Arena which is the home ground on the Maple Leafs. Therefore, the expectation was that they will have the advantage in this game against the Blue Jackets. However, that was not the case. The series went to game five and it was Columbus that managed to progress to the next round. That was an impressive outcome especially since they lost 12 of their last 15 games before the break. Therefore, they have a winning momentum heading into this game.
On the offensive side of the game, the Blue Jackets score an average of 2.57 goals per game which is the 28th offensive score in the league. Also, they are 4th in goals allowed at 2.61 goals per game.
Tampa Bay Lightning Form
Tampa Bay fell lost in the game on Sunday against the Flyers with a score of 4-1. And that relegated them to the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Also, their form before that break was not great as the Bolts were just 3-6 in their nine games. Furthermore, their offensive game was the top class before the break but in the round-robin, the Bolts scored just six (non-shootout) goals in the three games. And that will be their biggest challenge as they will be facing a strong goaltender in Korpisalo.
On the offensive side of the game, Tampa Bay was 1st in scoring at 3.47 goals per game.
And on the defensive side of the ice, they were 8th in goals allowed at 2.77 goals per game.
Prediction
This might be close call, but I expect a win for the Blue Jackets in this game. I feel that the Lightning will eventually win the series but they will be surprised in game one. The Tampa offence has not been good since the restart and Korpisalo did look good in his series against the 3rd best offence in the league. Also, the Blue Jackets have the winning momentum on their side. Therefore, take Columbus in this one.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on 08/11/2020 is: take Columbus Blue Jackets +149 (Moneyline)
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