We have loved the action throughout this impressive NHL regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs, but now we are entering the Conference Finals, with a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals up for grabs. We are sure to see the cracking playoffs continue in this round, and teams putting it all on the line to make it to the final. But before we get to the Stanley Cup Final, teams have one more hurdle to overcome – the Conference Finals.
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Look below to find our free NHL picks for the third game of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Rangers and Lightning.
New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 3.00pm ET
The New York Rangers did what they needed to do in the first two games, and that was to win at home. Now the series moves over to Tampa Bay and it is a must win situation for the Lightning, if they don’t want to go 0-3 down in the series. The Rangers won the first game 6-2, and the second game, 3-2.
Marko Nadin
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in a sort of a “do or die” situation as they host the New York Rangers in Game 3 with a 0-2 deficit. The Rangers proved to be a real contender despite many doubts surrounding them. New York started the first two playoff series with losses and needed to catch up late in the series. This time around the Rangers won back-to-back home games and are going south with a chance to make a reservation for the Stanley Cup Finals. Despite that, the Lightning are an experienced team and can turn things around with a confident win in Game 3, which is my prediction that will happen.
The Lightning have won 89 of the last 115 games after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game, 139 of the last 202 games when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game and 37 of the last 52 games as home favorites. The Rangers have won 5 of the last 6 games after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game, 37 of the last 55 games when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game and 13 of the last 16 games played on Sunday.
Marko’s NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (-182)
Tony Battalio
The New York Rangers are up 2-0 heading into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. They have played a dominant first couple of games and now they will head to Tampa Bay looking to win a game on the road as well. With another win here in this one, it could be the final nail in the coffin and it would put the Rangers one win away from making the Stanley Cup Finals. They have won Game 1 and 2 by a combined score of 9-4.
The Tampa Bay Lighting will be desperate for a victory in this one as they find themselves down 0-2 at the moment. They have looked lethargic at times throughout the first two games of this series on the road at Madison Square Garden. They will have to go 2-0 at home in the next two games to get back into this series. As for the result of Game 3, I am going with the Tampa Bay Lightning to pick up the victory.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (-182)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
