NHL: Betting On Flyers vs Lightning, Analysis & Odds

This Philadelphia Flyers against the Tampa Bay Lightning game preview shows an interesting match-up on the early NHL schedule. New Flyers head coach John Tortorella’s team is off to a 2-0 start but with three straight games against playoff teams upcoming, bettors will have a clear idea of what to expect from the Flyers. Jon Cooper’s Lightning will be playing their home opener after dropping two of their first three games.

Stamkos, Cole Plenty to Prove

For defensemen Ian Cole, the news that he would be reinstated after the league found no evidence to back the anonymous accusatory claims posted against Cole online. Hopefully, it will be a lesson to the league that perhaps they should act after they have the facts instead of causing Cole to miss three games.

It’s good news for handicappers when betting on the Flyers and Lightning because it eliminates another layer of research and thought when handicapping a team that isn’t at full strength. This proves especially difficult when taking defensive depth into account. Believe it or not, two-time Cup winner and all-star, Steven Stamkos, also feels as if he has something to prove after being denied a third straight Stanley Cup last season.

Tampa has won two Cups in three seasons but Stamkos hasn’t played a full season since the 2018-19 season. It may take a few weeks for the Lightning to find some traction, but once they do, motivated key players will go a long way.

Philadelphia the Perfect Landing Spot for Torts

As a 21-year coaching veteran, new Flyers head coach John Tortorella is as old school as they come. There were times in Columbus when Tort’s would try to tone down his approach, but his demand for excellence and thick skin is going to play well for a team that needs discipline.

His style has been known to wear out its welcome, forcing management to look for a new voice. Tortorella’s abrasive personality is a perfect fit in a town that has not exactly built a warm reputation. All he has to do is stay around .500 in his opening season and the Philly faithful will embrace him as one of their own.

Tuesday marks the first chance for the Flyers, who finished 25-46-11 last season, to show Philadelphia just how far they are from competing for a playoff spot. Bettors haven’t had much luck betting on the Flyers over the last two seasons, losing 3168 units on the back of a 50-88 record.

As an underdog, Philly is 29-68 (-2615 units) overall and 15-37 (-1361 units) as a road dog in that span. Head to head, the Lightning have beaten the Flyers 12 of their last 14 meetings and 11 of 12 as an underdog.

Bettors Need to Look at All Options

You can believe that betting on the Flyers and Lightning will be heavy in favor of Tampa.  We’re already starting to see that with the opening number being pushed up from -250 to -265 in some spots.

You can believe that betting on the Flyers and Lightning will be heavy in favor of Tampa.  We’re already starting to see that with the opening number being pushed up from -250 to -265 in some spots. Our official selection on this game is the Lightning, but we’re going to play it differently.

Many bettors overlook the option that allows you to wager on a game in regulation, meaning you give up the luxury of winning in overtime or a shootout. However, by betting on this option players will get a bankroll-friendly moneyline.

For example, you might be asked to lay just -165 with the Lightning, a much cheaper option than -265. If you judge the Flyers’ practices, Tortorella may be the best hire of the offseason but for one night we’re on Tampa in regulation.

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