TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay jumped to a 3–0 lead, survived a Detroit rally and defeated the Red Wings 4–2 at Benchmark International Arena.
Lightning seize control
Brayden Point scored twice in the opening period, both times with Nikita Kucherov assisting. Tampa Bay dominated the opening frame, outshooting Detroit 13–2. Anthony Cirelli made it 3–0 in the second period.
Detroit fights back
Lucas Raymond got Detroit on the board in the second period, and J.T. Compher's third-period power-play goal cut the margin to 3–2. Detroit pressed late, but Andrei Vasilevskiy held firm. Ryan McDonagh scored into the empty net with one second left to seal the 4–2 final.
The betting angle: the empty-netter delivers
Our pregame selection: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (-120), 1U. We flagged the possibility that Tampa Bay would need an empty-netter if the game stayed within one goal late in the third. McDonagh delivered with one second left.
Result: WIN | Net profit: +0.83U
Three takeaways
Scheduling mattered. Detroit entered its third game in four days, including consecutive road games in Florida, and Tampa Bay capitalized early.
The lead was not comfortable. A dominant first period did not prevent a late Detroit comeback.
Game script matters for puck-line bettors. The final empty-net opportunity turned a one-goal win into a two-goal cover.
Final word
The Lightning protected home ice, while Detroit's late push made this a much tighter contest than the opening period suggested.
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