Tip: The Tampa Bay Lightning visit a struggling Pittsburgh Penguins

It’s primarily the defense of the Pittsburgh Penguins that has been a complete disaster this season. With 80 goals conceded after 20 games, the criticism hasn’t been slow to arrive, especially against the Swedish defensive pairing.

Penguins Disappointed with the Swedes

Few have likely missed the criticism directed at Erik Karlsson, who this season has been synonymous with being on the ice for goals against. His defensive partner, Marcus Pettersson, hasn’t been able to patch things up, and now the criticism toward the Swedish pair is so severe that the Penguins are reportedly looking to part ways with both players. Josh Yohe from The Athletic was the first to report on the internal discussions within the organization. It’s not hard to understand why when watching the Penguins play and seeing how incredibly slack their defense has been all season. Karlsson is one of the obvious scapegoats, and personally, I’m not surprised. I remember earlier this season when they faced the Vancouver Canucks and Daniel Sprong (the Dutchman) practically skated circles around Karlsson; it was then that it became very clear that this season would be long for the Penguins.

Of course, not all blame can be placed solely on the Swedish players. As I pointed out in a previous article about the Penguins’ issues this season, everything from the system of play to the roster is completely out of sync. Management and Mike Sullivan must be held accountable for that. Demanding a high-tempo hockey from one of the league’s oldest cores is no longer sustainable. It exposes the Penguins’ defensive weaknesses so clearly that it’s hard to understand why they haven’t yet made the obvious changes that need to happen.

Brayden Point Returns for Tampa Bay

Now, the NHL's weakest defense will try to withstand Kucherov & Co.'s visit. The Lightning were in a downward trend before a longer rest period, which appears to have rejuvenated the team. Since then, they’ve faced the NJ Devils and Winnipeg Jets, defeating them 4-0 and 4-1. It’s mainly the Lightning’s strong top lines that continue to deliver the wins. Kucherov is once again showing why he is one of the world's best offensive players, having recorded 11 goals and 16 assists in 16 games. Behind him, new acquisition Jake Guentzel has proven to be an excellent signing. The 30-year-old American has driven play in 5-on-5 situations better than Steven Stamkos could. This has given the Lightning more depth in their offensive game. It’s also helped that the second line with Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli has developed into an offensive threat that few teams can shut down.

Ahead of tonight’s game, Brayden Point will also return to the lineup and slot straight back into the top line. This means the Tampa Bay Lightning will be at full strength for the game. Point has started the season strong, scoring 8 goals in his 12 games so far.

Conclusion & Betting Tip

It’s a strong Tampa Bay Lightning team in good form and with a healthy lineup traveling to Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. The Penguins might get Kris Letang back, but given the state the Penguins are in, I don’t think it will make much of a difference. The home team has too many problems in too many areas for me to see them holding up when the Lightning increase the pace. Sure, Crosby and Malkin can still create magic, but against a much more well-functioning Tampa Bay, I don’t think it will be enough.

I’m betting on Tampa Bay Lightning FT @ +115 at FanDuel