Lightning vs. Islanders Game 4 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
It was the Lightning’s first loss since Game 1 of the Second Round 19 days ago. Now a 2-1 series lead for Tampa Bay, the Islanders have life going into Sunday afternoon’s Game 4 and are looking to hand the Lightning their first losing streak of the playoffs.
Lightning vs. Islanders Stanley Cup Playoff Odds
The Lightning were without leading scorer Brayden Point (injured) Friday, as well as middle-six forward Alex Killorn who was serving a one-game suspension for a hit on Brock Nelson. It was Nelson who’s got the last laugh, scoring Game 3’s winning goal with 3:25 remaining.
The over is now two for three in the Eastern Conference Final, with both clubs averaging well over three goals per game. The over has also hit in four of New York’s last six games, who have been a safe bet this postseason to score over 2.5 goals per game.
Oddsmakers still have the over-under set at five, and Tampa Bay as a -147 favourite to win.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning were bound to lose at some point, buts are still in the driver’s seat this series. Already without Steven Stamkos, the Bolts missed the presences of Point and Killorn. It was in fact Mitchell Stephens and Carter Verhaeghe added to Tampa Bay’s forward group, the latter recording an assist Friday.
The good news for Jon Cooper’s team is that Killorn will be back Sunday, and Point did skate with the team ahead of Game 3.
Cooper continued to deploy 11 forwards and seven defencemen, losing for the first time in seven games with this roster make-up. Tampa Bay shouldn’t be too displeased with Friday’s result. They outshot New York 37-35 and clawed back from a 3-1 deficit in the third, but came up just short.
New York Islanders
It’s not surprising that a Barry Trotz-led team won’t go down easy, but the road ahead is still tough for the Isles. The key for New York in Game 3 was scoring from the middle six, something that was yet to show up this series.
Anthony Beauvillier and Jean-Gabriel Pageau both found the back of the net Friday, while the pesky Cal Clutterbuck opened the game’s scoring. Beauvillier now has a team-leading nine goals, with Pageau and Nelson right behind at eight.
Trotz went back to Derick Brassard in Game 3, who replaced Andrew Ladd after his playoff debut. Michael Dal Colle dressed in his third game of the postseason in place of Ross Johnston. After a win Friday, it’s hard to see Trotz not going with the same 18 skaters Sunday.
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