The 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing! With just the one game on the agenda today we have had plenty of time to research the fixture in depth and bring you the absolute best predictions. Have a read below for all our NHL picks.
New York Islanders @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Semi Final – Game 2) – 8.00 PM EDT
The New York Islanders scored a huge win in Game 1 of their semifinal clash in Tampa, beating the Lightning 2-1 to continue their hot streak.
After coming back from a 2-1 series deficit against the Bruins, Sunday’s win marked the fourth straight playoff victory for the Islanders, putting the pressure on the Lightning with 1 more home game to play.
It was a tight match, with chances very even at either end and both teams looking solid for defense and goaltending. Both sides took 31 shots for the match, but it wasn’t until midway through the second period that a goal was scored, with Mathew Barzal continuing his good run of form, burying a chance to register his 4th goal in 5 games.
Ryan Pulock struck next, converting 5 minutes into the final term to increase the lead to 2 and apply the pressure on the home side, who would eventually respond albeit with less than a minute to play, with Brayden Point scoring his NHL leading 9th goal on a powerplay.
“We’ve got to be a little more aggressive up ice.” #TBLvsNYI
Victor Hedman & David Savard: https://t.co/P4pUkOqyZP pic.twitter.com/mIfNOC1VxK
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 14, 2021
Semyon Varlamov got his 4th straight start in net for the Islanders and he once again impressed, posting a postseason personal best save percentage of 96.8%.
The loss marked the first time the Lightning have lost the opening game during this postseason, but they are so far yet to lose consecutive games and we find it very hard to imagine that they throw away back to back home games given how consistent they have been.
NHL Pick – Tampa Bay Lightning (-196)
Spread Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Total Goals Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
