The 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing! With just the one game on the agenda today we have had plenty of time to research the fixture in depth and bring you the absolute best predictions. Have a read below for all our NHL picks.
New York Islanders @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Round 3 – Game 1) – 3.00 PM EDT
The Lightning were successful last year, progressing to the Stanley Cup Final past the Islanders over 6 games, and as result, maintained their perfect playoff record against the New York side, winning all 3 meetings dating back to 2004.
Jon Coopers’ men were clinical in their Round 2 series against the Hurricanes, dropping just 1 game to the division champions while averaging 2.8 goals scored per game and conceding just 1.8 in return.
Nikita Kucherov has slotted back into the team and completely reinvigorated the Lightning’s offense, and he continued his dominance throughout the second round, scoring 8 points across the 5 games for a postseason total of 18.
Kucherov’s presence is immense, but it is not just him doing the scoring, with 5 other players hitting double digits for points scored, including the skipper, Steven Stamkos, and the aptly named Brayden Point who leads the team for goals scored with 8 on top of his 4 assists.
It’s ours. ⚡️
Recharge: Turf War is out now.
Watch: https://t.co/6zGBEbH5iN pic.twitter.com/ih63s4ucFi
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 10, 2021
The Islanders have also been putting up some big numbers, with 4 players hitting double digits for points, led by Jean-Gabriel Pageau with 13. The bulk of their goals has come from Kyle Palmieri, the Long Island native has 7 goals from 12 games and is doing exactly what was expected of him when the Islanders traded for him earlier in the year.
Head to head there are a lot of similarities between the two sides, both are capable of converting from multiple channels, are solid on the powerplay, and tidy both defensively and for goaltending.
However, there isn’t really a department which we think the Islanders outshine the Lightning in, and while we expect them to be competitive this series we can’t see them having an easy time of it away from home.
NHL Pick – Tampa Bay Lightning (-196)
Spread Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Total Goals Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
