Published Dec 3, 4:31am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 3, 4:31am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
The Atlantic Division leaders in the NHL will be back in action on Dec 4, as the Tampa Bay Lightning chase a return to winning form when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Find our picks here.
The Lightning have been one of the standout teams in the Eastern Conference so far this season, and their overall record currently stands at 16-8-2.
Meanwhile, the Penguins should present an interesting challenge after winning 13 of their 25 games this season. Confidence levels within the camp should be high after a recent win.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will be aiming to respond this week following a shock defeat to end their long winning sequence last time out.
They were beaten 2-1 on the road by the NY Islanders, with the only goal for Tampa being scored by Dominic James in the final period. Home form continues to be a concern for Tampa at this stage of the campaign, as they have gone 8-5-0.
Interestingly, five of their seven regulation defeats have come at the Benchmark International Arena.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins also have leading playoff claims this season, and they currently sit fourth in the Metropolitan Division.
Pittsburgh have gone 13-7-5 in the NHL this term, and they have excelled defensively, having allowed just 71 goals. However, their recent form is slightly patchy, going 4-3-3 across their last ten.
But, they were excellent winners in their latest outing, with Sidney Crosby netting twice in the dominant 5-1 away win against the Philadelphia Flyers.
| TOTAL | Penguins | Lightning | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 124 | 64 | 55 | - |
| GOALS | 765 | 400 | 365 |
The Lightning have stuttered for form in their home games throughout this season, meaning that questions can be asked of their chances this week.
The Penguins have caught the eye on their travels this term, while they have won 44% of their road games against the Lightning. Therefore, an away win could make plenty of appeal when making Penguins vs. Lightning picks.
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Pick
Pittsburgh Penguins
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