Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 3 Prediction, NHL Odds
The Maple Leafs failed to maintain momentum gained from a lopsided 5-0 win in Game 1, dropping a 5-3 decision to Tampa Bay in Game 2. Wednesday’s defeat snapped a four-game win streak, and forces the Leafs to claim at least one win in Tampa Bay if they are to advance to the second round for the first time in two decades. For the Lightning, Wednesday’s win extended an epic 50-game run in playoff action, during which they have avoided suffering consecutive losses.
After being pegged as slim underdogs in the first two games of the series, the Lightning return home pegged as -120 favourites to win on the Game 3 betting lines. The Lightning have also rebounded on the NHL playoff series prices in the wake of Wednesday’s victory, surging to narrow -116 chalk. The Maple Leafs have seen their odds for Game 3 remain largely stable at -103 despite attracting the support of just 38 per cent of sports bettors. They have plummeted to -105 underdogs on the series prices. However, the odds of the series returning to Toronto for Game 5 knotted at two games apiece are pegged at a short -116. The total has held steady at 6.5, with the UNDER favoured with -118 odds.
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning NHL Betting Odds
Friday’s Game 3 matchup at Amalie Arena marks the seventh overall meeting of the season between these clubs. These clubs have split their first six clashes, with neither team mustering consecutive wins. Road teams have won three of the past five matchups. With Tampa Bay’s 5-3 win in Game 2, the past five dates between these clubs have been settled by multi-goal margins. One of these clubs has scored at least five goals in each of their past five clashes. The OVER enjoys a 4-1-0 run.
The Lightning enjoyed plenty of home cooking down the stretch while winning six of their final seven regular season home dates. That run includes an 8-1 rout of Toronto on April 21 that kicked off a three-game home win streak, during which they have outscored opponents by a wide 18-4 margin. The Leafs produced mixed results on the road down the stretch, losing three of six while allowing 4.67 goals per game. Toronto also sports a dismal track record when playing Game 3 on the road, going 3-13 in 16 contests since 1977.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Undisciplined play has been a problem for Toronto so far in the series. A questionable hit in Game 1 garnered Kyle Clifford a one-game suspension. In addition, Wayne Simmonds took two needless penalties that resulted in Tampa power play goals. With the focus on physicality not working to their advantage, look for Jason Spezza to see his first action of these playoffs. Rasmus Sandin has been activated from the LTIR. However, the talented rearguard’s status for Friday remains uncertain.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning rediscovered their offensive touch in Game 2, fuelled by three power play goals. Overall, the club has now potted 17 total goals with the extra man over their past 10 games, and 49 goals overall during that stretch. The duo of Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov led the attack in Game 2, tallying a combined two goals and five assists. However, Kucherov has scored in just three of 21 playoff appearances at Amalie Arena.
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