Lightning vs. Stars Game 4 Prediction, NHL Odds
Even if he ends up playing a grand total of two minutes and 47 seconds this postseason, Steven Stamkos has left his mark on the Stanley Cup Final. Stamkos’ return Wednesday gave Tampa Bay a huge boost, taking Game 3 convincingly with a 5-2 score.
It helps that Stamkos, Tampa Bay’s captain since 2014, actually made a tangible contribution in Game 3 too, scoring on his one and only shot in the first period. He was the story of Game 3, and the Bolts are looking to use that momentum going forward.
Lightning vs. Stars Betting Analysis
With back-to-back wins, the Stanley Cup Final is suddenly Tampa Bay’s to lose. Dallas had no answer from the get-go, falling behind early and trailing by four for a good chunk of the game.
With the loss Dallas is once again giving up an average of three goals against per game, while Tampa sits third among postseason teams at 2.27 goals against per game. Oddsmakers continue to list the total at five this series, with the over now standing 1-0-2.
Tampa Bay is the favourite for the fourth straight game, going into Game 4 as -155 to win.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Stamkos’ goal — one we’ll be seeing for decades — is the series’ turning point right now. The big question mark now is whether Stamkos will return to Tampa’s lineup. After sitting on the bench for most of Game 3, it’s doubtful he’ll play again.
But Tampa Bay got this far without their captain. With the end in sight, the Bolts are zoned in on their first Cup since 2004, and their first with their core of Kucherov, Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, and Ondrej Palat — who all found the back of the net Wednesday.
Hedman’s 10th of the postseason is one behind Point for the NHL lead, which is ridiculous given the former is a defenceman. With a maximum of four games left, Hedman has to be the current Conn Smythe favourite.
Dallas Stars
Game 3 was the first time since August 31 that the Stars had surrendered more than four goals in a game. Stars’ goaltender Anton Khudobin got the third period off as a result, giving Jake Oettinger his second appearance in the NHL.
The positive for the Stars? Game 3’s loss is over with and counts the same no matter how it went down. Khudobin also got some rest, which was a smart move by head coach Rick Bowness.
On the flip side, first-line centre Tyler Seguin is now without a point in his last five games. Alexander Radulov and Denis Gurianov both exited Game 3 after getting shaken up too, but both appear good to go for Friday’s Game 4.
TB
DAL