Lightning vs. Devils: Game 3 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
The Eastern Conference top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning held serve in the first two games at home against the No. 8 New Jersey Devils. Their first-round playoff series shifts to Newark for this NHL matchup.
Lightning vs. Devils Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
So far, so good on recommendations for the Lightning-Devils series as Tampa Bay won both games at home – although it’s not exactly rocket science picking a top-seeded team to win at home over a No. 8. Remember, though, that the Devils won all three regular-season meetings.
The Lightning lost their first trip to New Jersey on Oct. 17, 5-4 in a shootout. Drew Stafford scored twice in regulation for the Devils. Cory Schneider made 33 saves. More on him in a minute. It was former Bolts backup Peter Budaj in net.
Tampa’s second trip to Newark was a 2-1 loss in March 24. Keith Kinkaid made 35 saves and was the No. 1 star. Rookie No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri scored for the Devils. Andrei Vasilevskiy had 29 saves for the Lightning.
On the series line, Tampa Bay is now -2500 and New Jersey +800. That the Lightning win in five games is the favoured series exact result at +162 followed by a sweep at +187. New Jersey’s shortest odds are +1200 to win in seven.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have scored five goals in both wins in this series, and if you find the net that many times in the postseason, you are going to win nearly all of the time. Alex Killorn was the star of Game 2 with two goals, both coming in a four-goal second period. Although the No. 1 star was Brayden Point with a goal and assist. Regular-season team scoring leader and Hart Trophy candidate Nikita Kucherov and Tyler Johnson also scored for Tampa Bay in Game 2. Ryan McDonagh had two assists. Vasilevskiy turned away 41 shots. Two injury concerns for the Bolts, though. Ryan Callahan suffered an upper-body injury in Game 2 and seems likely to miss some team considering the team called up Matthew Peca. Defenceman Dan Girardi didn’t play in the third period Saturday with an undisclosed injury.
New Jersey Devils
Who will be in net for the Devils on Monday? Kinkaid had been spectacular since taking over for an injured Schneider in late January but hasn’t been in this series. He was pulled after allowing all five goals on just 15 shots in Game 2. Considering Schneider didn’t allow any goals on 10 shots, the smart money is on him starting Game 3. He hasn’t started a postseason game since 2013. As of this writing, Coach John Hynes hasn’t made his decision public. Should get confirmation after the Monday morning skate. It’s likely there will be other lineup changes as well.
