To say that Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals was anything but bizarre would be an understatement.
The Tampa Bay Lightning (63-33-3-5) stood toe-to-toe with the Chicago Blackhawks (61-33-4-3) in a third period which saw them change goalies three times over the course of about five minutes.
If they can put up with that, they might be able to steal Game 3 of this series in the Windy City as well.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Tampa Bay was a -135 favorite in Game 2, and that is more or less insinuating that the spread is going to be a bit higher than that in favor of Chicago in Game 3, especially with the unknown status of Ben Bishop. Something in the Blackhawks -150 range feels about right.
We also wouldn't be shocked to see the total creep up as well, especially if Andrei Vasilevskiy ends up starting.
GOALIE REPORT
The Lightning were completely mum after Game 2 regarding why Bishop left the game twice in the third period of a tie game. Even though Vasilevskiy played well down the stretch, stopping all five shots faced, he would surely be under a lot more pressure to start on the road against the Blackhawks in Game 3.
Corey Crawford had a tough second game of this series. The vet stopped just 20-of-24 shots, and two of the goals he allowed certainly would have been classified as the soft variety.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Nervous? Just maybe a little bit. But after the first couple shots, I feel myself better. Every game, I'm ready, and I keep my head ready for the game, and that's it. First time, maybe more nervous, but second time, just play and that's it." – Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy on what proved to be his first Stanley Cup minutes logged and his first Stanley Cup win of his career
SITUATIONAL BETTING
It should be noted that the Lightning were terrible at even strength late in the third period, and that's a sign to us that they could be a bad team to bet on for live betting when push comes to shove if they hold a late lead in this one.
The Bolts were outshot 10-2 in the final frame, and they didn't get in a single shot outside of when they were on the power play in the whole 20 minutes.
PROP TALK
If anyone could find Patrick Kane at some point in the next couple days, Blackhawks fans would appreciate it. Chicago's assassin has been nowhere to be found in this series so far, as he hasn't logged a single point and is just a -1 to show for his work.
In Game 2, Kane didn't take a single shot on goal, and there was hardly a point where you thought about calling out his name. Still, Kane is one of the most dangerous men on the ice on either side, and if he can get a little something going, he could become an excellent prop bet in Game 3.
ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
Tampa Bay is going to end up being a relatively sharp play one way or the other in this one. The Lightning are right there in terms of talent with the Blackhawks, but they are going to be perceived to be the significantly worse of these two teams, particularly if Bishop is out.
That said, the Bolts haven't been afraid to go on the road and win in this postseason. The Blackhawks are tough to beat at the United Center, and they surely won't do it all that often, but this might be Tampa Bay's lucky day to get in front of this series.
Tampa Bay 4, Chicago 2
The NHL lines for this Monday game will first be available at BookMaker Sportsbook. Minute-by-minute puck-lines, totals, moneylines and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! Game 3 of this series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks will commence on Monday, June 8, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.
