Lightning vs. Panthers Game 3 odds, prediction
By Michael Leboff
Victor Hedman and the Tampa Bay Lightning are down 2-0 against the Florida Panthers.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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The Battle of Florida is getting nasty.
The Panthers took a 2-0 series lead with their win by the same scoreline in Game 2 on Thursday, but the main story from that contest was the injury to Aleksander Barkov.
Florida’s captain was clocked by Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel away from the puck, leading to speculation that the Panthers could be without Barkov for Game 3 and beyond.
Paul Maurice was mum on Barkov’s status after Game 2, so it’s unlikely that we’ll have a firm idea of whether or not the talismanic Finn will be in the lineup on Saturday afternoon.
Nonetheless, the Cats are a -138 favorite to win Game 3.
Lightning vs. Panthers Game 3 betting preview
The way the first two games of this best-of-7 series have played out has caught everyone completely off guard.
It shouldn’t be a shock that Florida is playing well – they are the defending champs, after all – but what is surprising is how one-note the Lightning have looked through 120 minutes of play.
Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk has two goals and an assist in this series so far.
NHLI via Getty Images
Tampa Bay was in terrific form down the stretch, and shored up its depth at the deadline, leading plenty of fans, bettors, and pundits to declare the Bolts the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
The hype machine has completely cooled off after two disappointing losses to their in-state rival.
Lightning vs. Panthers Game 3 pick
Game 3 of the Battle of Florida presents a classic handicapping question.
Is the market overreacting to a small sample size? Or, was the hockey world overestimating their chances to dispatch the defending champions coming into this best-of-7 series?
With Barkov’s status uncertain, I’ll lean towards the former and put my trust in the Lightning to find their form in the nick of time.
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The Play: Lightning (+115, Bet365)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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