Tampa Bay Lightning (13-12-5) vs. Calgary Flames (11-14-4)
Lightning vs. Flames 12/16/23 – The NHL regular season brings an electrifying match-up as the Tampa Bay Lightning, holding a 13-12-5 record, face off against the Calgary Flames, with a record of 11-14-4. Set to take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Scotiabank Saddledome, this game promises to be a crucial one for both teams as they aim to improve their standings. Fans and bettors alike are eager for NHL free predictions on this potentially gripping encounter.
The Lightning offense is led by elite forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Kucherov is averaging over a point per game with 19 goals and 28 assists, while Point has contributed 13 goals and 19 assists. These two will test a Flames defense that has struggled recently, giving up 3.7 goals per game over their last 10 outings. However, the Flames do have a defensive stalwart in Elias Lindholm who leads the team with a +8 rating.
Offensively, the Flames are paced by Nazem Kadri’s 22 points and Blake Coleman’s 19 points. This duo will have their work cut out against a deep Tampa Bay defensive corps featuring stalwart Victor Hedman. The Lightning have only given up 2.8 goals per contest over their past 10 games. Goaltender Jonas Johansson has come on strong for the Lightning over his last five starts, compiling a 4-1 record along with a 2.20 GAA.
Lightning vs. Flames 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Scotiabank Saddledome |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Jonas Johansson vs. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom
Lightning netminder Jonas Johansson comes into this matchup having found his game after early season struggles. Over his last five starts, Johansson has compiled a stingy 2.20 goals against average along with an impressive .933 save percentage. He has shown growth in areas that were troublesome previously like rebound control and positional awareness. Now that Johansson is playing with more confidence and reliability, the Lightning have reaped the benefits with improved defensive metrics and more wins. Going up against a Flames squad that has had difficulties finishing around the net, the Swedish goalie has a prime opportunity to turn in another strong performance if he remains composed under pressure from the Calgary forecheck.
For the Flames, Jacob Markstrom is looking to bounce back from an inconsistent first half between the pipes. While still capable of stealing games for Calgary thanks to his athletic 6-foot-6 frame, Markstrom has not delivered the same high-end play that earned him an All-Star selection last season. His pedestrian .896 save percentage illustrates those difficulties. With that said, Markstrom has had success containing Tampa Bay in past meetings. If he can channel those outings and avoid giving up easy goals, he could help the Flames hang around in this contest. But Markstrom must clean up his game for that to happen.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but considering the teams’ current standings and recent performances, the odds could be closely matched. Bettors will need to consider not just the head-to-head statistics but also the recent momentum of both teams.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Trends
The Lightning have excelled against the spread away from home, going 6-3 ATS over their last nine road matchups. Tampa Bay has also been a good under bet recently, hitting the under in four of their previous six contests. And when playing on one day of rest, the Lightning have covered in five straight.
Calgary Flames Betting Trends
The Flames have trended over at home lately, with eight of their last 13 games at the Saddledome eclipsing the total. Calgary has also made bettors money when an underdog at +100 or more, covering the puckline in four of five such instances. However, the Flames have struggled to cover on one day of rest, failing to cover the spread in seven of nine tries.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Calgary Flames 12/16/23 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and betting trends, this game appears to be a close call. The Lightning, with their stronger offensive lineup, might have the upper hand, but the Flames’ home advantage and slightly better goaltending could level the playing field.
In terms of betting, it might be wise to consider the over for total goals, given both teams’ recent trends. The pick for the winner could go either way, but the Lightning’s offensive edge might just tip the scales in their favor.
This prediction takes into account the offensive strengths of Tampa Bay and the home advantage of Calgary, expecting a tightly contested match with a slight edge to the Lightning. Expert premium picks would likely focus on the individual performance props and over/under for total goals, considering the teams’ recent scoring trends.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Calgary Flames 3