The latest news around the online hockey betting community involves the league’s decision to withhold their players from the 2018 Winter Olympics. Which is some of the most disappointing news for fans of the sport, as some of the greatest moments in hockey history have come on the Olympic stage. Arguably the most memorable game in hockey history, the Miracle on Ice, involved NHL players. Now that NHL players will not be allowed to participate in this upcoming Olympics, who knows what greatness we will miss.

Latest News for Those who Bet on NHL Games

While online hockey betting fans may not be able to look forward to NHL players competing in the Olympics, they can still see their favorite athletes compete this Tuesday night. There are 14 games on the schedule for Tuesday, and since the end of the season is in sight, there is plenty to play for. One contest that could have huge playoff implications is the matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins – Tuesday, April 4^th

Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

When: 7:00 pm ET

TV: NBC

Online Hockey Betting line:

Tampa Bay Lightning +1 ½ (-195) 5 ½ (+105) +150

Boston Bruins -1 ½ (+168) 5 ½ (-125) -170

Tampa Bay Lightning

After competing in 78 contests this season, the Lightning have fought their way to a 39-29-10 record that yields the franchise 88 points on the season. That tally ranks Tampa Bay 5^th in the Atlantic Division, and with so little games left in the season, it’s clear that the Lightning will not be competing in this year’s postseason. It’ll be the first time in 3 years that Tampa Bay fails to make the postseason, but hey there’s always next year.

The Lightning slide into this contest sporting the league’s 13^th best offense and 16^th best defense. Additionally, Tampa Bay has the NHL’s 4^th best power play percentage, and 12^th best penalty kill percentage. The Lightning have posted a 5-1 record in their last six games and will be coming off their recent 6-3 win over the Dallas Stars.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins have fought their way to a 43-30-6 record that gives the franchise 92 points on that season. That tally is good enough to rank Boston 4^th in the Atlantic, and the Bruins will clinch a playoff berth with a win against Tampa Bay, in regulation or in overtime. The Bruins haven’t made the postseason in two years and will be happy to put an end to that imposing streak.

To help their team crack the hockey playoff odds, the Bruins will turn to Brad Marchand, who is leading the team in points (85) as well as goals (39). The Bruins come into this contest flashing the league’s 12^th best offense and 11^th best defense. Boston has won the last 5 in a row and will be coming off their most recent victory over Chicago 3-2.