Lightning vs. Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 2 Betting Odds, Picks, Predictions – June 18

OddsJam’s NHL experts take you through the betting odds, best bets, picks and predictions for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Colorado Avalanche.

Lightning vs. Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 2 Odds

Lightning vs. Avalanche Game 2 Prediction

The OddsJam Perfect Line has the Colorado Avalanche winning Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on June 18, 2022, in Denver with 57.96% confidence.

Lightning vs. Avalanche Game 2 Betting Preview

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals started out how a lot of people predicted. The Avalanche speed and potent attack caused the Lightning to look out of place and on their heels. Colorado jumped out to a 3-1 1st period lead and it looks like it was smooth sailing from there. 

Then, the Lightning did what they do best, clamp down on defense and answer with goals. Tampa’s defense in the 2nd and 3rd periods was nothing short of impressive. In the 1st period they were caught off guard leading to sloppy play and 2 penalties. Tampa came all the way back, scoring two 2nd period goals and forcing overtime. 

It didn’t take long in overtime for the Avalanche to capitalize on a scoring chance, when Andre Burakovsky buried the game winning goal less than 2 minutes into the period. 

As we move to Game 2, bookmakers are taking notice of the Lightning’s spirited game performance. The line has already moved in Tampa’s favor to as low as +128 at some books, down from +150 in Game 1. The Avalanche showed a weakness in their offense; a rare sight in these playoffs. Despite the loss, the Lightning feel like they have the Avalanche offense figured out. Can the Lightning keep their momentum into Game 2 or will the Avalanche counter and get back to their high scoring run in the playoffs?

Tampa Bay Lightning

Despite Game 1’s loss, Tampa has a ton to build off from their performance. Holding the Avalanche to two scoreless quarters hasn’t been done since the Blues held them to one goal in Round 2. Tampa sold out on containing the two-headed monster of MacKinnon and Makar. Both were uncharacteristically quiet and both left off the score sheet with Makar failing to record a point. The sellout proved to be their downfall in the 1st period. Every Avs player not named Makar or MacKinnon had wide open shooting lanes.

For Tampa to steal a game in Colorado, they’ll have to have a complete defensive game. The Avalanche proved that just the smallest let downs can lead to an onslaught of goals. The Lightning seemed to get their act together and periods 2 and 3 and will need to carry that blueprint into Game 2. 

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche came out on fire in Game 1 but significantly cooled off in the later periods. It’s obvious the Lightning are selling out on stopping the Avs best players, Makar and MacKinnon. The Avalanche’s balanced attack kept them afloat in Game 1, but they’ll have to find a way to get more production from their stars. 

Colorado will need to rely on their major speed advantage to increase their scoring chances in Game 2. Colorado had a very lopsided chance and shot advantage in the game, but ran into a scorching hot goalie. To ensure the series goes to Tampa up 2-0, the Avs need to be the one to dictate pace and not force poor opportunities. 

Lightning vs. Avalanche Game 2 Betting Pick: Tampa Moneyline | +135 at BetMGM

As mentioned above, the Lightning have a lot of good material to build on for Game 2. Their defensive prowess kept a historically hot offense at bay for 2 straight periods. To get to a win, there are certainly some adjustments they’ll need to make. Tampa failed to block shooting and passing lanes in Game 1, something that’s much easier said than done when facing hockey’s fastest team. This was never more evident than on the last play of the game when Burakovsky had a clear passing and shooting lane to bury the puck.

Now that those faults are on tape, I have the confidence that Tampa can make those adjustments. They’ve proven time and again that they are capable of neutralizing any style of offense. Not to mention, their netminder seemed to have found his groove in periods 2 and 3. Vasilevskly has been in this situation numerous times before. A locked-in goalie and a few defensive tweaks should be enough to steal a game in Colorado.