We’ve got a series over here. The Tampa Bay Lightning evened the Stanley Cup Finals one apiece after taking Game 2 at home in Amalie Arena. But can they regain home ice advantage by winning at United Center? Read on as experts sound off on their picks and predictions for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Dig deeper into this crucial Game 3 between the Lightning and Blackhawks. Check out our complete preview for the game here.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Chicago Blackhawks Game 3 Expert Picks and Predictions
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 –June 3 — Chicago Blackhawks 2 at Tampa Bay Lightning 1
Game 2 – June 6 — Chicago Blackhawks 3 at Tampa Bay Lightning 4
Game 3 – June 8, 8:00 PM ET –Tampa Bay Lightning (+135) at Chicago Blackhawks(-155); total 5.0 – view all NHL lines
Game 4 – June 10, 8:00 PM ET –Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks
Game 5 – June 13, 8:00 PM ET –Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 6* – June 15, 8:00 PM ET – Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks
Game 7* – June 17, 8:00 PM ET – Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning
*If necessary
Bleacher Report
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Steve Silverman | Blackhawks 5-4 |
Steve Silverman believes the Chicago Blackhawks have some work to do in Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Finals series against Tampa Bay. It all starts between the pipes with Corey Crawford looking shaky in Game 2. Crawford gave up three goals to allow the Lightning to tie the series.
[sc:NHL240 ]But Silverman notes that Crawford can rebound nicely after a bad performance. In the Blackhawks’ last Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2013, Crawford allowed four goals in Game 4 of the series against Boston. He rebounded by allowing just three goals in the next two games of the series.
What’s even more concerning is the inability of superstars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to score in this series. Toews has one assist after the first two games of the series, while Kane has been completely blanked. Kane failed to register a shot on goal in Game 2.
But the two should find some success at home especially with a powerful supporting cast which includes Marian Hossa, Brandon Saad, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Having a deep set roster should help the Blackhawks escape with a tight 5-4 victory at home, Silverman predicts.
Rant Sports
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Seth Lassen | Blackhawks 3-2 |
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals was as tight as it could get, Seth Lassen of Rant Sports notes. The Blackhawks entered the final period down by a goal. Yet again, they tied it. But winger Patrick Sharp was whistled for consecutive penalties, the latter of which allowed Tampa Bay defenseman Jason Garrison net the game-winner.
Lassen notes that Game 1 hero Teuvo Teravainen was back terrorizing Tampa Bay defenses, opening the scoring in the first period. The Blackhawks also had some success with screens, especially when Brent Seabrook scored with Marian Hossa bothering Lightning goalie Ben Bishop in the crease.
Game 3 figures to be another tightly-contested game, but Lassen believes that the “Madhouse on Madison” will be rocking to pump the Blackhawks with enough energy for a 3-2 victory.
Covers
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Covers | Blackhawks 3-2 |
Covers highlights Tampa Bay’s unexpected goalie carousel in the Stanley Cup Final. Ben Bishop, who recorded a franchise-best 40 victories this season, exited twice in the third period of Game 2 due to undisclosed reasons. Rookie goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy filled in nicely; he stopped all five shots he faced to lead the Lightning to victory.
If Bishop is truly injured and has to give way to Vasilevskiy, then it may give the Blackhawks a chance for Patrick Kane to get his first points of the series. Kane leads the team with a team-high 20 points, but has yet to score or assist on a goal in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Armed with these expert predictions, it’s time to create a betting account and make your picks.
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