The set-up: Yes Columbus looked good in its upset series win over the Leafs and yes the Lightning stumbled to an 0-3 record during its round robin stage, but now that "the real thing" is here, I expect the "real" Tampa Bay to show up finally. The Blue Jackets actually won two of three over the Bolts in the regular season, so clearly Tampa won't be taking anything for granted tonight. The Lighting not only play with revenge from the regular season, but they also play with revenge for the first round playoff knockout by these very CBJ's last year.

The pick: I just think that Columbus is due for a major mental letdown here after its big emotional series win over the favored Leafs. I believe Tampa was just going through the motions during its first three games, saving itself for the postseason, not caring which team it got in the first round. Despite being down their best defenseman in Victor Hedman, I like Tampa to at the very least, find a way to win Game 1.

This is a 6* play on the Bolts.