After the Colorado Avalanche put up a 7-0 win in Denver on Saturday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning are pleased there is only one day between Games 2 and 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Lightning’s best bet is to quickly forget about that game and focus on getting the series back on track at home. Caesars Sportsbook has The Lightning as -115 favorites to win Game 3 on Monday, with a six-goal total. In each of the first two games, the over was hit, with seven goals scored in each.
In the Eastern Conference finals, the Lightning went behind 0-2 to the Rangers before rallying. They have the ability to make a comeback. The Rangers, on the other hand, are no match for the Avalanche. Colorado is at a different level that hasn’t been seen in the Stanley Cup finals in a long time. If The Lightning gain an advantage by returning to sea level in a more comfortable venue, it will be immediately countered by an Avs squad that rises above their already lofty perch.
Odds for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs provided by Caesars:
| Jun 20 – 8:15 PM EST | Money Line | Puck Line | Total Goals |
| Avalanche | -105 | +1.5 -270 | O 6.0 +100 |
| Lightning | -115 | -1.5 +220 | U 6.0 -120 |
Tampa Bay vs Colorado Picks
The Colorado Avalanche have a 14-2 record in the playoffs, which is practically perfect. They swept the Predators and Oilers, with the exception of two losses in the second round to the St. Louis Blues.
After a 7-0 thrashing of the Lightning in Game 2, they appear to be a near guarantee to win the Stanley Cup in 2022. Meanwhile, the Lightning may be suffering from exhaustion after playing more games than any other team in the NHL during the last three years.
However, as Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos stated after Game 2, the Lightning are a tough team that will not go down without a fight.
Although the cup may be transferred to the Avalanche this spring, anticipate a rowdy atmosphere in Amalie Arena on Monday. Fans of the Lightning have seen their team turn things around in the past. Expect the home team to give it everything they’ve got and waltz away with their first series victory.
Picks:
Tampa Bay Lightning (-115)
Over 6 goals scored (+100)