Tampa Bay Lightning vs St. Louis: Preview, Matchups, Odds 11/14/23

Oct 10, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) scores a goal on a penalty shot during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) scores a goal on a penalty shot during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

After two lackluster games at home, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back on the road for a mini mid-week road trip.

Their first of two games is tonight as the Lightning take on a squad in the same position standings-wise out of the Western Conference.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Singing the Blues

  • When – 8:00 PM
  • Where – Enterprise Center
  • TV – Bally Sports
  • Radio – 102.5 The Bone

After seeming to turn a corner on the road, Tampa came home and laid two straight eggs at home against Chicago and Carolina. While the impending return of Andrei Vasilevskiy should give the Lightning a boost, there is nothing the Big Cat could have done to save the Bolts last week.

Tampa comes into the night having only won six of the 15 games they have played. With an overall record of 6-5-4, Tampa has 16 points through 15 games and currently is holding onto the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with five teams sitting behind them within two points.

Who to watch on St. Louis

Like the Lightning. St. Louis is clinging to the second wild card slot in the Western Conference with a record of 7-5-1. The Blues have a bit more margin for error as only two teams are within two points of them.

Leading the way for St. Louis is Robert Thomas with 15 points through 13 games. After being a decent role player for three seasons in St. Louis, including the 2019 Stanley Cup run, Thomas had his breakout season in 2021-22 when he put up 77 points.

He has never topped 20 goals in a season though, but currently has six goals and is on pace for 37 goals this season.

In their last outing, an 8-2 thrashing of Colorado, Thomas was paired with Pavel Buchnevich and Kasperi Kapanen.

The Blues also have five goals from Brayden Schenn. Look for him to pair up with Brandon Saad and Jordan Kyrou.

Vegas Says…

In a bit of a surprise, given it is on the road, Vegas likes the Tampa Bay Lightning in this one as -115 favorites.

The over/under is at the standard 6.5 goals.

Tampa is only 4-4-1 as a favorite this season. They are 8-5-2 against the over/under.

St. Louis is 5-5-1 as an underdog this season and 4-8-1 against the over/under.