NHL Free Pick – Hurricanes vs Lightning Game Preview
Todays NHL free pick and Hurricanes vs Lightning game preview features the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have locked up a playoff position, and the Carolina Hurricanes who are desperately trying to grab the eighth and final ticket to NHL Eastern Conference playoffs.
NHL Free Pick – Hurricanes vs Lightning Game Preview: With the New York Rangers winning on Saturday afternoon the pressure is on the Carolina Hurricanes to do the same as they host the Tampa Bay Lightning in Saturday puck action.
This contest gets going with puck drop slated for 7:00 PM EDT from the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, April 9, 2011.
Lightning @ Hurricanes Game Preview
While Tampa Bay is home and cool in the fifth playoff spot in the NHL Eastern Conference, Carolina needs a win tonight to secure the final playoff spot and a date with the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2010-11 NHL playoffs.
The Hurricanes sit two points back of the Rangers but a win tonight would give them 36 regular and overtime wins and the tie breaker over New York.
Tampa Bay is 6-3-1 over their last ten games while Carolina has been white hot with a 8-1-1 record as they have been making their playoff push.
These two Southeast Division foes have alternated wins in the previous five contests this season. The Bolts won the last match-up 4-2 in Carolina back on March 26, 2011.
NHL Betting Lines and Free Pick: Hurricanes vs Lightning
The game day betting lines for Hurricanes vs Lightning, courteous of the Bodog online sportsbook, has Caroline as the favorites on the puck line at -1½ (+160) and -200 on the money line.
While the Lightning may take their foot off the gas some, we don’t see them totally tanking this one.
Take the Tampa Bay Lightning at +1½ (-180) over the Carolina Hurricanes
