Golden Knights vs. Lightning prediction, tips and NHL odds

The Vegas Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning have been perennial playoff teams for the past few years, with each side packing plenty of firepower.

My Golden Knights vs. Lightning predictions see Shea Theodore turning heads against a Tampa defense that is showing red flags early.

Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Thursday, October 17th.

Golden Knights vs Lightning Prediction

My best choice
Shea Theodore Over 0.5 points (+105 at bet365)

My analysis
Shea Theodore has scored five points in his first four games this season and leads the Vegas Golden Knights in time on the ice.

Vegas has had 95 shot attempts, 54 scoring chances and nine goals in Theodore's minutes, and the defenseman ranks at or near the top of the team in each of those categories.

The forwards Theodore spent the most time on the ice with in 5-on-5 play are, in order, Jack Eichel, Ivan Barbashev, Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl.

He often plays at even strength with the best the Golden Knights have to offer while also serving as the quarterback of the top power play unit. Bruce Cassidy places him in the best spots imaginable to provide offense.

Theodore finds himself in a treacherous duel against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although productive offensively, the Bolts look vulnerable on their own end.

They start 30th in expected goals against and dangerous goals against per 60 minutes in 5-on-5 play. Of course, the sample size is small, but it's never a good sign, tied with the San Jose in most key defensive metrics Sharks and Anaheim Ducks to keep up.

It's also worth noting that the Knights look lethal due to the man advantage. They rank in the top five in expected goals generation and No. 1 in scoring chance efficiency through four games.

Regardless of the state of the game, Theodore poses a real threat to get on the scoresheet in this matchup.

Golden Knights vs. Lightning – Same Game Parlay (SGP)

Shea Theodore 1+ point

Jack Eichel 1+ point

Nikita Kucherov Over 2.5 shots

Eichel plays a big part of his even strength transitions with Theodore, and they are two of the key cogs of the No. 1 power play unit. The correlation between the two is very, very strong. If Theodore finds the score sheet, there's a good chance that Eichel – the team's most dangerous weapon – will also be involved.

Nikita Kucherov has been shooting at will to start the season, collecting 11 shots on 17 attempts in just two games. Even on home soil, his shooting numbers are consistently higher. He has taken 3.3 shots per game over the last 30 games in Tampa Bay, overcoming an alt line of 2.5 at a clip of nearly 70%.

Whatever the reason, the Golden Knights have often given Kucherov superior performances when it comes to shooting. He has generated at least nine attempts and averaged 3.8 shots on goal in his last four meetings against Vegas.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Golden Knights vs Lightning odds

Golden Knights vs Lightning live odds

Golden Knights vs. Lightning opening odds

• Puck line: Vegas +1.5 (-233) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+201)
• Money line: Vegas +111 | Tampa Bay -125
• Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-110)

Golden Knights vs. Lightning Moneyline and Over/Under Analysis

• The Lightning took some money and are now traded as -133 favorites at Pinnacle.
• The Golden Knights have eliminated underdogs in four of the last five head-to-head meetings, winning three of them.
• Goals usually come when these two teams meet. There have been six or more in seven of the last eight games.

Golden Knights vs Lightning trend

Shea Theodore has seven points in his last five games against Tampa Bay. Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Lightning.

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