Can’t get enough playoff action? Well you’re in luck as the NBA and NHL has lined up two mouth-watering postseason games that will definitely whet your sporting appetite tonight. Kicking things off this evening is the pivotal Game 3 clash between Eastern Conference rivals New York and Tampa Bay.
Over at the NBA, it’s Game 1 of the much-anticipated Eastern Conference Final between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Which teams will grab the crucial victories tonight? Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two critical games and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Golden State vs. Houston and Anaheim vs. Chicago.
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New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (8:00 PM ET)
[sc:NHL240 ]The Tampa Bay Lightning will head home with momentum on their side after recording an emphatic 6-2 win over the New York Rangers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals Monday night. Tyler Johnson was the star of the show for the Lightning who leveled their best-of-seven series with the Rangers at one game apiece.
Johnson scored a breathtaking hat-trick against the Rangers in Game 2, the first time a Tampa Bay player has achieved such a feat in the playoffs. With his hat-trick, Johnson became the first player since Jamie Langenbrunner for the Devils back in 2003 to record four multiple goal-scoring games in a single postseason.
For New York to regain control of the series, they will need to up the ante on the defensive end. Henrik Lundqvist, in particular, had a horrible time between the pipes in Game 2, allowing six goals on just 26 shots. He gave up at least five goals in two of three regular-season games against the Lightning this season.
The Lightning are 6-4 in their last 10 games against the Rangers at home.
Click here for an in-depth breakdown of this game.
Writer’s Prediction
Tampa Bay wins, 3-1, to go 2-1 up in the series.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks (8:30 PM ET)
Line: Cleveland Cavaliers (+1) at Atlanta Hawks (-1); total: 199.5 – view all NBA lines
Cleveland’s quest for a first ever NBA title remains right on track after ousting the Chicago Bulls in six tough games the previous round. LeBron James has been phenomenal for the Cavaliers this postseason, leading the team not only in points (26.5 PPG), but also in rebounds (10.2 RPG), assists (7.9 APG) and steals (1.9 SPG) as well.
It won’t get any easier, however, for King James and the rest of the Cavaliers as lying in wait in the Eastern Conference Finals are the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks, who are fresh off a nerve-wracking 4-2 series victory against the Wizards, have dominated the Cavaliers of late, winning seven of their last eight meetings.
They are 3-1 against the Cavs this campaign with Atlanta outscoring Cleveland by an average of 8.5 points in their two meetings at Philips Arena. Key to the Hawks’ strong postseason run thus far has been their balanced attack. Six players are averaging in double-figures for the Hawks in these playoffs.
The Hawks are 8-2 in their last 10 home games while the Cavaliers are 7-3 in their last 10 games on the road.
