Nagging injuries are really starting to mount for both the Tampa Bay Lightning (64-33-3-5) and the Chicago Blackhawks (61-34-4-3) in the Stanley Cup Finals. These two teams will look to overcome their battle wounds on Wednesday in a pivotal Game 4 in the Windy City.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Lightning got the job done in Game 3 as a +144 underdog, and that's about what we expect them to be lined at in Game 4 as well. The argument could be made that Chicago had the better of the play for large stretches in Game 2, and that parlayed with the sense of urgency with which this game will be played could boost the Blackhawks.
GOALIE REPORT
Ben Bishop was a massive question mark for Game 3 of this series after sitting out the end of Game 2 with an undisclosed problem. The goalie wasn't even classified as hurt necessarily, though clearly, he is still going through a big problem which is causing him to favor his left side.
It's tough to argue with the results, though. Bishop stopped 36-of-38 shots he faced in Game 3.
Corey Crawford survived a gauntlet of shots in his time on the ice in Game 3 as well, and the fact that he only allowed three goals to be scored, all of which were goals the likes of which no one would have stopped, should be considered a triumph instead of an indictment.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"To be able to contribute and see how much this means to Tampa is my No. 1 priority. Like I said all playoffs, I want to be a difference-maker on the ice on both ends, and it doesn't matter what type of game it is and what game it is. I always want to try to get better." – Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman following a Game 3 in which he was arguably the best player on the ice for either side
SITUATIONAL BETTING
The Lightning need to get their acts together on the power play if they want to win this series. The Bolts failed three times on the man advantage in Game 3 and are now just 1-of-8 in this series. The biggest blunder came on a 5-on-3 which listed for nearly 90 full seconds. The Lightning managed two shots on goal, but neither was a fantastic effort, and Crawford wasn't tested as much as he should have been.
PROP TALK
With Johnny Oduya getting banged up just a bit with a hand problem in Game 3, we wonder aloud whether that means more minutes for Duncan Keith. Keith has this knack for finding his way into offensive plays, and he is the man at the point on virtually every power play. We're not saying that it is going to translate into goals, but those secondary assists are always possible pilfering opportunities for defensemen. Betting against Keith to get at least a helper or a goal in this one probably wouldn't be wise.
ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
We're still worried about Bishop in this game. He's not totally right, and he isn't going to be able to get away with it forever.
Yes, this has been a very close series throughout, as neither team has ever led in the nine periods by more than one goal. Still, that is going to end at some point, and we think that will come in Game 4 on Wednesday night to level this series once again.
Chicago 4, Tampa Bay 2
The NHL odds for this Wednesday contest will be released first by BookMaker. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the game. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker's live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks will start at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. Game 4 of this series will be televised live on NBC Sports Network.
