Lightning vs Red Wings Betting Preview

Detroit comes into Friday’s matinee searching for a reset after an ugly 6-3 loss to Nashville. The Red Wings gave up five goals in the third period to the league’s worst club, a result that had Todd McLellan questioning nearly every area of their game. Their passing lacked precision. Their energy was low. Their special teams kept them afloat, but their structure broke down in the final frame.

Detroit’s concerns are piling up. They led 2-1 through two periods but never found rhythm. Alex DeBrincat scored his 12th goal, tying Dylan Larkin for the team lead in points at 24. McLellan wants sharper zone exits, crisper puck movement and consistent effort. His challenge is fixing multiple issues with no time to fully address them.

Tampa Bay arrives as a contrast. The Lightning carry a five-game win streak and have allowed only five goals in that span. Andrei Vasilevskiy has looked locked in since returning to peak form. He posted his first shutout of the season against Philadelphia, then stopped 32 of 33 shots in a 5-1 win over Calgary on Wednesday.

Nikita Kucherov drives the attack with 27 points. He enters with a seven-game point streak. Brandon Hagel and Jake Guentzel continue to support the top line. Tampa opens a three-game trip and will play seven of its next nine on the road.

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Line Movement and Odds

Lightning -120, Red Wings +100
Total: 6.5 (over -101, under -119)

Compare updated prices on the NHL odds page.

Matchup Breakdown

Tampa Bay overview

Tampa Bay has rediscovered its defensive backbone. Vasilevskiy’s recent stretch is the driver. The Lightning have ranked inside the top 10 in goals and assists. Their forecheck is producing second-chance looks. Kucherov continues to control tempo and Hagel supports with zone entries and retrievals.

Their puck pressure and goaltending give them stability in tight games. Their power play remains explosive and can tilt momentum fast.

Detroit overview

Detroit wants to push pace and extend zone time, but mistakes keep undermining their effort. Their power play generated two goals against Nashville, but their even-strength play remains inconsistent. Their underlying numbers are strong in volume: top five in shots on goal and top five in power-play goals.

Larkin and Lucas Raymond continue to drive creative play. DeBrincat provides finishing. Their home-ice advantage helps, but their defensive detail must tighten, especially around their crease where breakdowns cost them against Nashville.

Browse team metrics on the Detroit Red Wings page.

Injuries

Lightning

• Erik Cernak — Out, undisclosed
• Maxwell Crozier — Out, undisclosed
• Victor Hedman — Out, undisclosed
• Ryan McDonagh — Out, undisclosed
• Brayden Point — Questionable, undisclosed

Roster info on the Tampa Bay Lightning page

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Red Wings

• Shai Buium — Out, undisclosed
• Simon Edvinsson — Questionable, illness
• Michael Rasmussen — Out, undisclosed

Betting Trends

• Lightning 3-0 SU last three
• Lightning 6-0 puckline as underdog
• Red Wings 0-3 SU last three
• Red Wings 8-3 puckline as underdog
• Lightning 2-1 O/U last three
• Red Wings 2-1 O/U last three

Latest Betting Trends

Tampa Bay’s defensive surge drives its five-game win streak. Detroit trends toward high-event games and ranks among the league’s top shot-volume teams. Their power play stays dangerous. Their defensive breakdowns raise totals risk. Tampa’s consistency gives them an edge in late-game execution.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Tampa Bay’s form and goaltending give them the upper hand. Detroit’s structure remains too loose, especially in the defensive zone. Vasilevskiy’s presence provides a clear matchup advantage.

Projected score: Lightning 4, Red Wings 3
Best Bet: Lightning -120
Total Lean: Over 6.5

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