NHL Betting Picks and Predictions For Friday October 21, 2022

Our NHL handicapper provides his best bets from the Friday, October 21, 2022 slate, featuring the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers, with our predictive analytics model unable to split the two teams at the head-to-head at the money line. However the Lightning present the better value at odds of -105, compared to the -114 available for the Panthers. The Lightning are heavy favorites at the puck line, while the Over 6.5 currently has a 51% chance of hitting, according to our analysis, and looks great value at +115 odds.

Today's NHL best bets and odds for Lightning vs. Panthers are proudly brought to you by BetMGM Sportsbook, where you can bet $10 and win $200 when there's a goal in your game. Just click ➡️ here ⬅️ to get in on it. 

Before Tone shares his wisdom, check out our below predictions from DimersBOT, our predictive analytics model. It has run 10,000 simulations for each game on the October 21, 2022 slate to give you the most accurate look at what you'll be betting on at FLA Live Arena. These probabilities will continue to update right up until puck drop, so keep an eye on them and see if you can get yourself some value.

Lightning vs. Panthers Predictions

• No edge on the money line, but Lightning are better odds
• 70% chance the Lightning cover the +1.5 puck line
• 51% chance Lightning-Panthers goes Over 6.5 total goals

For the most up to date NHL betting picks today, check out our interactive hockey predictions for Lightning vs. Panthers and every other game being played today in the Bet Hub. It's constantly updating based on hundreds of different data points.

Lightning vs. Panthers Best Bets

PICK: Matthew Tkachuk Over 3.5 SOG (+130)

PICK: Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 31.5 Saves (-110)

It's a small NHL slate tonight but the card is highlighted by the Battle of Florida as the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers renew their rivalry in Sunrise. Also, BetMGM will give new users $200 when they register an account here and then simply place a $10 money line bet on any team. From there you will score $200 in free bets as soon as there's a goal.

The Panthers were eliminated in the playoffs by the Lightning, for the 2nd year in a row, this time via a 4 game sweep. Florida made a major trade in the offseason which featured Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar going to Calgary in exchange for Matthew Tkachuk.

I am looking at Tkachuk, who was an integral part in the Battle of Alberta, to put his stamp on this rivalry tonight. Tkachuk has already had an impact on this Florida team as he has recorded a point in every game, including 2 goals. Tkachuk has hit his SOG prop in all 4 games as well, as he has recorded 18 shots on goal, on a ridiculous 35 attempts.

Tkachuk did face Tampa Bay twice last season, as a member of the Calgary Flames, and recorded 5 shots on net in each game. I like him to be very involved tonight and will gladly take this number, at plus money.

A prop on the Tampa Bay side that I love is Andrei Vasilevskiy to eclipse his total saves mark. I am expecting the Panthers to push the pace in this game and the big cat will be up to the task.

Florida is averaging 36 shots per game this season and the Bolts are allowing 34 shots per game. Last season, including the playoffs, Florida averaged 36 shots per game against Tampa Bay.

In 24 career games against the Panthers, Vasy averages 32 saves per game and has a .913 save percentage.

31.5 is a very high number but I think Vasy can get there tonight as the Bolts are going to need him to have a good game, so bet Matthew Tkachuk Over 3.5 SOG (+130) and Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 31.5 Saves (-110) with BetMGM.

MORE: Dimers' full betting preview for Lightning vs. Panthers

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