This is an 8* on TAMPA BAY

It seems like Tampa Bay is once again the team to beat in the NHL. The defending Stanley Cup Champions have the most points (48) and best goal differential (+42) in the league right now as they have won four in a row. They’ve scored four or more goals in all four wins. They’ve scored at least four goals in eight of the last nine games as well. The current four-game run began right here in Dallas with a 4-3 victory over the Stars. While it’s a little misleading that Dallas is in second to last place in the Central Division (they’ve played the fewest games of anyone in the league), they have lost six of their last nine games. The latest loss was in a shootout against Nashville on Sunday. They are getting thin at the forward position due to mounting injuries. They are just not in the same class as Tampa Bay, a point further driven home by the fact they are 0-3 head to head with the Lightning in 2020-21, two of those losses coming in shutout fashion. Dallas is 0-4 their last four games as a home underdog. Play on TAMPA BAY

AAA