It will be the first Finals in Stanley Cup betting history without an ‘S’ after at least one of the two team names. It’s the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning against the Colorado Avalanche, playing for the 2022 Cup.

It should be a great series. Colorado was the top team in the West in all of the regular season, and through the first three rounds of the playoffs. The Lightning used a late-season surge to power through the first three rounds as well, and now will start Game 1 in Denver Wednesday night.

Let’s take a look at this series, from an NHL betting perspective:

Colorado Avalanche vs Tampa Bay Lightning Odds

Market	Avalanche Odds	Lightning Odds
To Win Series	-175	+150
To Win 4-0	+800	+2000
To Win 4-1	+400	+1000
To Win 4-2	+400	+600
To Win 4-3	+400	+650

Total Games Played	7 Games	6 Games	5 Games	4 Games
Odds	+210	+210	+260	+550

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and accurate as of publication.

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Avalanche vs Lightning Betting Tips

Steven Stamkos Goal Prop in Game 1

Stamkos has been on fire for the Lightning of late, and he’s just the kind of guy I would expect to keep things going in Game 1. He scored both goals for Tampa Bay in the elimination Game 6 against the Rangers. Take a look at his Game 1 scoring props on betting sites before the series starts.

Don’t Fade the Over

Yes, the Lightning has been very tough to score on of late, with Andre Vasilevskiy looming large in goal. But I still expect a lot of goals to be scored in this series.

Tampa Bay hasn’t faced a team like Colorado in a long time. The Avalanche can really skate, and have a two-pronged attack, with Cale Makar joining the rush frequently from his defensive position. 

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Over on assists for Mikko Rantanen

The Avalanche right wing has had a lot of helpers in these playoffs. The Avs would love for him to score more goals right now, but he’ll still put at least one point a game up most nights.

Other darkhorse bets to consider

Take the Over on betting apps for series/game assists for Nikita Kucherov, and also take the Over on Avalanche first-period goals. They come out hot.

Consider taking the Over on whatever the saves total is for Vasilevskiy. I expect a lot of pucks to come at him each night, and he's looking sharp after helping knock off the Rangers.

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Avalanche vs Lightning Betting Predictions

Again, this should be a fun series. Do I really want to bet against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champs? Uh, no. But I think the Lightning has met its match this time. Colorado is a fast, powerful team that can play any style.

Yes, Tampa Bay has the edge in goal, with Vasilevskiy over Darcy Kuemper/Pavel Francouz. And that could well be the deciding factor in the series. But the Avs are a tough team to play against. 

I see Colorado’s depth wearing Tampa Bay’s defense down at some point in the series. If Nazem Kadri (broken thumb) can play, that will give Colorado a big inspirational lift, too.

The Avalanche really want this thing, bad. For your NHL picks in this series, take the Avalanche in six games.

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