Golden Knights vs Lightning NHL Predictions, Odds & Picks (10/17)

It’s a massive night for hockey fans as the NHL has 11 games lined up for Thursday, Oct. 17 — including a Vegas Golden Knights vs. Tampa Bay Lightning showdown. If you’re looking for some helpful advice — such as Golden Knights vs. Lightning predictions and picks — you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve been having a ton of success on the ice this year, so why stop now? Let’s get into tonight’s scribbles!

2024-25 NHL Game Predictions: 8-0-0 (100%)

2024-25 NHL Best Bet + Prop Record: 12-4-0 (75.0%)

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NHL Betting: Golden Knights vs Lightning (10/17)

Golden Knights vs Lightning Game Information

• Matchup: Vegas Golden Knights (3-1-0, 0-1-0 Away) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2-0-0, 1-0-0 Home)
• Venue & Location: Amalie Arena (Tampa, FL)
• Date: Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
• Game Time: 7 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Golden Knights vs. Lightning: ESPN+

Golden Knights vs Lightning NHL Betting Odds

All NHL odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Thursday, Oct. 17 at 11:35 a.m. ET. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Golden Knights vs Lightning Puck Line

• Vegas Golden Knights +1.5 (-212)
• Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+182)

Lightning vs Golden Knights Over/Under

• Over 6 Goals (-120)
• Under 6 Goals (+104)

Golden Knights vs Lightning Moneyline

• Vegas Golden Knights (+103)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (-123)

You might also like: 2024-25 NHL Power Rankings

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Golden Knights vs Lightning NHL Betting Trends

• Vegas is 2-6 straight up in its last eight road games.
• Tampa Bay is 2-4 straight up in its last six games vs. Vegas.
• The total hit the Over in eight of Vegas’ last 11 games vs. the Eastern Conference.
• The total hit the Under in four of Tampa Bay’s last five games played in October.
• The total hit the Over in six of the last seven Vegas-Tampa Bay matchups.

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Golden Knights vs Lightning NHL on TNT Predictions & Picks (10/17)

A lot of people wouldn’t be surprised if tonight’s encounter is somewhat of a Stanley Cup Final preview. After all, BetOnline has the Golden Knights listed at the eight-best Stanley Cup odds (+1400) while the Lightning aren’t much further back in a tie for 12th (+2200).

After a 3-0-0 start to the 2024-25 season, the Golden Knights are looking to get back on track following Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, the Lightning are gunning for a third consecutive win to begin the campaign after picking up a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks two nights ago. Brayden Point led the charge with a two-point effort while Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 26-of-27 shots sent his way.

Both of these teams are among the NHL’s top offensive threats, mostly due to the star power each side possesses. The Golden Knights are currently averaging the third-most goals in the league (4.25) while the Lightning are right behind them in a tie for fourth (4.00). On the other end, Tampa Bay has only allowed one goal in each of its first two games whereas Vegas is surrendering an average of 3.00 (T-10th).

In terms of special teams, the Golden Knights have the power-play edge with a 30.8% success rate (T-6th) while the Lightning have only capitalized on 18.2% of PP opportunities (T-19th). Only the flip side, Tampa Bay’s penalty kill (85.7%, T-10th) has the edge over Vegas (66.7%, T-26th).

The Lightning and Golden Knights have both received reliable goaltending to begin the 2024-25 NHL season. 

These teams have been evenly matched recently, splitting the last 10 encounters evenly. Nevertheless, the Lighting went 2-0 SU against the Golden Knights during the 2023-24 campaign, outscoring the latter 10-7 on aggregate.

The Lightning will, once again, turn to goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy to continue that trend. The Russian puck-stopper has stopped 46-of-48 shots (95.8%) to begin the new season. Having said that, he has only played to a .898 SV% and 3.06 GAA in his last 10 meetings with Vegas.

As for the Golden Knights, they’re likely rolling with Adin Hill. The 28-year-old veteran’s performance has been far from perfect thus far, tallying a .855 SV% and 3.72 GAA in his first three appearances. Even worse, Hill boasts a .844 SV% and 3.96 GAA in four all-time showdowns against the Lightning.

G Adin Hill must be better tonight if the Golden Knights hope to pick up a road win. 

In a game that could go either way, I’m taking the Lightning to win at home. They’re playing well at both ends of the ice to begin the year and have proven to have the Golden Knights’ number. Although Vegas is still one of the NHL’s top teams, it’s harder to trust given its penalty kill issues as well as Hill’s recent play between the pipes.

With that in mind, let’s stick with the Over on the 6-goal total. The Over is a perfect 4-0 in the last four Golden Knights-Lightning matchups as the two juggernauts averaged a combined 8.3 goals per game.

You simply can’t ignore a trend like that.

Golden Knights vs. Lightning NHL Prediction: TB wins

Best Golden Knights vs. Lightning NHL Bet: o6 Total Goals (-120)

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Best Golden Knights vs Lightning NHL Player Prop (10/17)

We’re rocking with Nikita Kucherov o3.5 shots on goal (-118) for tonight’s best Golden Knights vs. Lightning player prop bet.

Not only does Kucherov have a team-leading five points through two games, but he’s also generated 10 SOG during that stretch while finishing with the Over on each occasion. He now has a juicy opportunity to continue that trend against the Golden Knights, who allowed the 10th-most shots to wingers last season.

Having averaged 4.0 SOG in his last three games vs. Vegas while finishing with the Over twice, I like Kucherov’s odds to rack up even more shots tonight.

Best Golden Knights vs. Lightning Player Prop: Nikita Kucherov o3.5 Shots on Goal (-118)

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