Two games can say a lot for each of these teams. After having a great and well deserved win in Game 1, the New York Islanders didn’t bring the same performance for Game 2. This gave the Tampa Bay Lightning the go to get the job done at home, winning the game and now tied in the series scoreboard. Now things will be heading back up north at Nassau Coliseum for two games. We will be diving into tonight’s Game 3.

Let’s dive into the latest expert preview for the Lightning vs. Islanders, along with the latest NHL odds, betting trends and predictions. Be sure to be on the lookout for updated NHL odds and lines out our online Bitcoin sportsbook before placing your bets!

Lightning vs. Islanders Game 3 Information

• When: Thursday, June 17th, 2021, 8:00 PM ET
• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York
• TV: USA, CBC, SN, TVAS
• Radio: WFLA 970 AM (Lightning) // WRHU-88.7 FM (Islanders)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning (-132) / OU: 5.0

READ MORE: Golden Knights vs. Canadiens NHL Playoffs Odds and Game 3 Pick – June 18th, 2021

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Besides taking advantage of the disorder within the Isles’ camp, the Lightning has a solid offense with the trio of Brayden Point, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov. Combined, they obtained five points, improving on the 5 on 5, ending Game 2 with an expected goal rate of 78.3%. Just Kucherov alone, he provided three assists, allowing to gain 22 points so far in the playoffs.

They had a way better performance in Game 2, but it is curious to see how close both teams played. For example, the expected goal rate for the Islanders in the first two games of the series was 54.40% and had a high danger scoring chances for 17-15. The Bolts have Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has already had a great season and has become a headache for many teams.

Why Bet on the New York Islanders?

From Game 1 to Game 2, it was a completely different team. The Islanders dominated the ice, not allowing the defending champs much opportunity to score. But in Game 2, it was an undisciplined team that got five penalties, which had never happened before for them. They need to rethink their strategy heading into home field tonight.

As of now, the Isles are averaging 3.36 goals per game. The advantage they have over the Bolts is in the special teams. If they are able to get some great plays in, or are able to limit the Lightning, there might just be a chance to keep the series alive. They were scared that Seymon Varlamov was out briefly in Game 2 due to a foul from Brayden Point. But he will be good to go for Game 2.

Lightning vs. Islanders Betting Trends

• The Lightning are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games.
• The Lightning are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games against NY Islanders.
• The totals went under in 7 of Tampa Bay’s last 9 games.
• The Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
• The Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home.
• The totals went over in 6 of NY Islanders’ last 9 games.

Lightning vs. Islanders Expert Betting Predictions

If there’s one thing that’s certain, the Islanders have usually started off slow in the beginning of a series, only to get it together by mid series and win the whole thing. Can it be the same situation for this series? The defending champs won’t let them win so easily. Their offensive line is tough to contain, but not impossible. And they’re pretty close stats wise. Tonight’s game could help define the rest of the series. Keep an eye of for this game.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.