We have loved the action throughout the impressive NHL playoffs for the 2021-22 season, and now we are down to two teams. This is sure to go down as one of the most exciting Stanley Cup Finals series as we see the Avalanche and Lightning fight for the right to lift the Stanley Cup. Will the Lightning manage to three-peat, or will we see the Avalanche win for the first time in over 20 years?
Here at SportsTips, we are just as keen on the NHL as you are! We spend each and every day going through the games and previewing them for you. Our experts offer up their free NHL picks, which means that you not only get enjoyment out of watching some intriguing games, but also make extra cash while doing so!
Look below to find our free NHL picks for the third game of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Avalanche and Lightning.
Colorado Avalanche @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 8.00pm ET
The Stanley Cup Finals moves to Tampa Bay, and it couldn’t come sooner for the home team. So far in the first two games of this series, the Colorado Avalanche have been victorious, with Game 2 being a blowout, 7-0. The Tampa Bay Lightning will be desperate for a win here, to avoid going down 0-3.
Marko Nadin
The Colorado Avalanche are traveling south to face the Tampa Bay Lightning with a comfortable 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup series. The momentum is totally on their side as they demolished the defending champions by 7-0 in Game 2. The Lightning will have to regroup and forget what happened three days ago. They are with their back against the wall and if they lose tonight will be in a deep hole. They will certainly not lack confidence nor motive but that will not be enough to win tonight. This is Colorado’s year and they will get one win away from winning their first Stanley Cup since 2001.
The Avalanche have won 19 of the last 26 games played on Monday, 23 of the last 32 road games and 37 of the last 53 games against teams with a winning record. The Lightning have won 4 of the last 6 against teams with a winning record of over 60%, 8 of the last 12 Stanley Cup series games and 37 of the last 55 games against Western Conference opponents.
Marko’s NHL Pick: Colorado Avalanche (-111)
Tony Battalio
The Colorado Avalanche put an absolute pounding on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 as they defeated them 7-0. Now they have a 2-0 lead over the two time defending Stanley Cup champions. They will be looking to add another win and put the Lightning on the brink of elimination in Game 4. Colorado has looked unbeatable throughout the first two games of this series.
The Tampa Bay Lightning must be thrilled to be back at home for Game 3 and 4 of this Stanley Cup Finals series. They will look to use these two games at home to improve their play and even up the series before heading back to Denver for Game 5. They have been down before in this year’s playoffs, so this deficit isn’t something they haven’t seen before. As for the result of this one, I am going with the Colorado Avalanche to get the win.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Colorado Avalanche (-111)
Jeffery Thomas
We are halfway to crowning a new Stanley Cup Champion after the Colorado Avalanche took a 2-0 lead after a 7-0 blowout win in Game 2. It still shouldn’t be time to panic for the Tampa Bay Lightning because in their previous series against the New York Rangers, they also went down 0-2 before reeling off four straight to win the series.
It’s hard to see a similar comeback happening with how hot the Avalanche are at the moment though, as they have now won seven straight games. It’s just hard for me to see the Lightning going down 0-3 at home and with this being their last chance to get back in the series, I think we’ll get a vintage performance from Andrei Vasito to give his guys a little hope heading into Game 4.
Jeffery’s NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (-108)
If you’re looking for more NHL news, information and predictions, head over to our NHL hub page for all your ice hockey needs!
*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
