NHL Tuesday best bets: Expect goaltending duel in Tampa

We have an unusually quiet three-game slate on the docket for tonight. Still, there is value to be had.

We'll comb through it with our best bets.

Flyers (+145) @ Lightning (-165)

The Flyers spoiled our under in the dying seconds the last time these teams met, but we're going right back to the well today.

Philadelphia's offense is trending downward in a hurry. They rank dead last in five-on-five scoring efficiency over the last 10 games and it's not hard to see why. They're not generating many quality looks, ranking 29th in high-danger chances per 60 during that time.

This isn't exactly the best spot to get on track. The Lightning are extremely stout defensively. Tampa Bay ranks third in shot attempts against and fourth in high-danger chances against per 60 on the year.

I don't see the Lightning giving up much, and without Nikita Kucherov and now Brayden Point, their offense isn't exactly scary. Tampa Bay ranks 22nd in expected goals per 60 at five-on-five and 26th on the man advantage. They're much more competent defensively.

Carter Hart (12.1 goals saved above expected) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (5.1) should be able to limit the damage and keep this a low-scoring affair.

Bet: Under 5.5 (-110)

Shot props

The under in Tampa Bay is the only total or side I like. Thankfully, shot props exist. There's almost always value to be had with those and tonight is no exception.

We're going to stick with Flyers-Lightning and back defenseman Victor Hedman to record over 2.5 shots.

Hedman leads the Lightning in shot attempts and shots on goal this season. With Kucherov and Point out of the lineup, he'll be relied upon even more to create offense.

He plays a lot of minutes in all situations and recorded eight shot attempts against the Flyers in their previous meeting. I expect him to be heavily involved again in this one.

Bet: Hedman over 2.5 shots (-115)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.