Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction: Should You Back Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Lightning?

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction: Should You Back Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Lightning?

The Tampa Lightning got to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals by defeating Toronto in 7 in Round 1, then they swept high powered Florida in Round 2 and, after a slow start, Vasy and the bolts stone walled New York as the Lightning held them to only 5 goals in the last 4 games.

Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche Line Movement

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction

The Colorado Avalanche have pretty much cruised past the West. They swept Nashville in Round 1, defeated St. Louis in 6 in Round 2 and then swept Edmonton in Round 3. Two important pieces to each team have question marks heading into the Final. Nazeem Kadri is day to day with a thumb and Brayden Point, who was injured in Game 7 of Round 1, is probable to make his return to the Lightning, which would be a big boost for the 2 time defending champs.

The Avalanche appear to be on a mission but they have not faced a team like Tampa Bay in these playoffs. All three of their opponents had goaltending issues and while the Colorado offense is very potent and can attack you from different angles, they have not faced a goalie like Andrei Vasilesvkiy. Vasy has had a hard time against the Avs in his career, (3.41 GAA and .877 Save Percentage in 5 starts), he also couldn't beat the Rangers in 2 regular season starts but performed very well in the Conference final win. Colorado's only question mark is in goal. Darcy Leumper is likely to start, he has a 2.65 GAA but only a .897 save percentage in these playoffs. Pavel Francouz, who lacks experience, has played better as he sports a 2.86 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Neither of them are in the same league as Andrei Vasilevskiy. 

I like the price on Tampa to steal game one, they have been underdogs many times in these playoffs and I have been on them more often than not. They May be the most undervalued defending Cup Champions in history. The Avs are a wagon for sure but I like Tampa to win Game 1 and the series in 6 games. Instead of a series bet on the Bolts, which is only +$150, I am going to wager on The Big Cat to win the Conn Smythe, at +$430. For Tampa to win this series, it will fall on the shoulders of Andrei Vasilevskiy.

So I have two official plays for this piece...

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche Picks

• Tampa Bay +$140 Game 1 (Bet $100 to win $140)
• Vasy to Win Conn Smythe +$430 (Bet $100 to win $430)