Lightning -220 Favorites vs Canucks as Both Teams Ride Seven-Game Winning Streaks

• Tampa Bay is a -220 home favorite against Vancouver on Tuesday
• Both teams are riding seven-game winning streaks
• Read below for our game preview and betting advice

It’s a battle of the two hottest teams in the NHL when the Lightning host the Canucks on Tuesday, January 7th (7:00 PM EST).

Both teams have won seven straight, but the Lightning have won three of the last four meetings against Vancouver and hold home-ice advantage.

How should you bet on the Lightning vs Canucks odds?

Lightning vs Canucks Odds

Odds taken Jan. 6.

Two Red-Hot Teams

The Lighting and Canucks enter this game as the two hottest teams in the NHL. Both Vancouver and Tampa Bay have won seven straight games. The Canucks are coming off a 2-1 win over the Rangers, while the Lightning defeated the Hurricanes 3-1 in their last outing.

These two teams have been winning games largely due to their offense. The Lightning have scored at least four goals in four of their games during their winning streak, while the Canucks have scored four or more goals in five of their last seven. Both teams rank top-10 in the NHL in goals scored per game.

When it comes to defense, both teams are doing a good job keeping the puck out of their net. The Canucks have surrendered 17 goals during their winning streak, while the Lightning have given up 15. This is a matchup that could be decided in the goal crease.

Jacob Markstrom vs Andrei Vasilevskiy

Goaltenders Jacob Markstrom and Andrei Vasilevskiy have each played major roles in their respective team’s winning streaks. Markstrom has made 30-plus saves four times during his team’s streak, while Vasilevskiy has allowed just a single goal in consecutive victories.

“It feels nice to stop a few pucks when we’re in an important game, but I have to do that every game. I had pretty good focus tonight and I have to carry it over to the next game.”#TBLvsMTL | Andrei Vasilevskiy: pic.twitter.com/MjDw1aovPT

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 3, 2020

One key stat in this matchup is Markstrom’s history against the Lightning. His individual stats against the Lightning are worse than what they are against any other Eastern Conference team. In 10 career games against the Bolts, Markstrom owns a .886 save percentage and 3.29 GAA.

Vasilevskiy has performed very well against the Canucks in his career, sporting a .923 save percentage and 2.21 GAA in seven starts versus Vancouver. I’m also leaning towards the Russian goaltender in this matchup due to his stellar 2-0 record and .961 save percentage in two starts against the Pacific Division this year.

Recent History Favors Tampa

The Lightning have won three of their last four meetings with the Canucks and are 10-5-0 against Vancouver since 2010. The Lightning have a plethora of talent on offense and the Canucks haven’t had the defense to slow down Tampa’s superstars.

Tampa’s offense overpowering Vancouver’s defense is another trend likely to continue Tuesday. The Bolts are averaging 3.56 goals per game and the Canucks are allowing almost thee goals per game. A big reason for Tampa’s offensive success is they have three elite players who have all reached the 30-point mark.

Tampa Bay also owns home-ice advantage in this matchup. The Bolts are 12-7-2 at Amalie Arena this season, while the Canucks are just 9-10-1 on the road.

Betting Advice

Both these teams are at the top of their game right now, but the Bolts have more firepower on offense and a goaltender who is proven against the Canucks.

Jacob Markstrom has struggled against Tampa and the Canucks still don’t have the defense to stymie a high-powered offense like Tampa’s.

There isn’t much value in the Lightning moneyline, so the puckline is the play. In Tampa’s three recent victories against Vancouver, they have won by at least two goals. These two teams haven’t played a close one-goal game since 2016 when Tampa won in overtime.

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+110)