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Detroit (41-30-9) at Tampa Bay (49-25-6)
- When: Apr 13 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL, USA
- TV: The Spot
Detroit vs Tampa Bay NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -198
Spread: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+130)
Total: 6.5
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Breakdown
Tampa Bay enters at 49-25-6 with 104 points and still has something meaningful to chase. The division title and home ice are within reach, but they will need to finish strong and get some help.
They return home after a rough road stretch where they dropped three of four, but they did close it out with a tight 2-1 win over Boston. Emil Lilleberg scored the late winner, and Brandon Hagel, who has 36 goals this season, got back on the board after a short absence.
The key trend here is urgency. Tampa Bay is still playing for positioning, and that matters late in the season. At home, they have been solid, and their overall structure remains reliable.
From a betting perspective, this is a team that should be fully engaged. With stakes still in play, expect a focused effort, especially against a team with nothing left to chase.
Detroit Red Wings Betting Breakdown
Detroit comes in at 41-30-9 with 91 points, but the story is already written. Their playoff hopes are gone after a late collapse in a 5-3 loss to New Jersey.
This marks another missed postseason, and the recent form shows why. Over the final stretch, they went 7-10-3 when games mattered most. That inability to close games cost them a spot.
Dylan Larkin continues to lead with 34 goals and 33 assists, while Alex DeBrincat tops the team with 40 goals and 83 points. Lucas Raymond has also been productive with 76 points. The talent is there, but consistency has not followed.
With elimination confirmed, motivation becomes a major question. Teams in this position often struggle to match the intensity of opponents still playing for something.
From a wagering angle, Detroit is a risky side. The effort level can fluctuate, and that is dangerous against a disciplined opponent.
NHL Betting Prediction
Tampa Bay is listed as a -198 Moneyline favorite with the total set at 6.5.
The gap in motivation is clear. Tampa Bay is still battling for positioning, while Detroit is playing out the schedule. That edge, combined with home ice and overall consistency, points in one direction.
Expect Tampa Bay to control the pace and capitalize on key moments.
Score Prediction: Lightning 4, Red Wings 2
Pick: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+130)
Total: Under 6.5 (-120)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
