In Saturday NHL Stanley Cup Finals action, the Colorado Avalanche take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are aiming to rebound from a 4-3 overtime loss in game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Lightning scored 287 goals this season, which ranks them eighth among NHL teams. Tampa Bay is the 6th best defensive squad in the league, allowing opponents to score an average of 2.78 goals per game. The Lightning have a strength of schedule ranking of 22nd in the league this season. They are the NHL’s eighth-ranked team in terms of opponent-adjusted scoring margin entering this game.
The Colorado Avalanche will aim to keep their hot streak going, as they have already won six consecutive playoff games. The Avalanche have scored 312 goals this season, for an average of 3.76 goals per game. This puts them in third place among NHL teams. Colorado’s defence is rated 7th in the league, allowing 2.83 goals per game. The Avalanche have had the league’s 26th toughest schedule this season. Colorado has a power ranking of 3rd in the NHL when considering their scoring margin in relation to the quality of their opponents.
Steven Stamkos leads the Tampa Bay Lightning in goals and overall scoring this season with 106 points. With a shooting percentage of 17.4 percent, he has reached his goal total of 42. So far, he’s scored 38.0 percent of his goals on the power play. Victor Hedman, who has 65 assists to go along with his 20 goals, is right behind him. His offensive production has earned him a plus-minus rating of +26.0 while on the ice. Andrei Vasilevskiy is Tampa Bay’s best goalkeeper, allowing 2.49 goals per game on average. He has made 39 quality starts in 63 games, a quality start percentage that is higher than the league average.
Mikko Rantanen leads the Colorado Avalanche in goals and overall scoring this season, with 92 points. With a shooting percentage of 14.2 percent, he has reached his goal total of 36. So far, he’s scored 44.0 percent of his goals on the power play. Nathan MacKinnon, who has 56 assists to go along with his 32 goals, is right behind him. His offensive production has earned him a plus-minus rating of +22 while on the ice. Darcy Kuemper is Colorado’s best goalkeeper, allowing 2.54 goals per game on average. In 57 games, he has made 32 quality starts, a quality start percentage that is higher than the league average.
The over-under betting line for game 2 is set at 6 goals once again. Despite the fact that game 1 exceeded the over-under line by 7 goals, I recommend taking the under in game 2. Throughout the season, both Colorado and Tampa Bay’s defensive groups have excelled at limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Free Pick: Colorado Avalanche
