Game 3 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Final is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Amalie Arena in Tampa between the Avalanche and Lightning. Before placing any wagers for Monday's game, we’ll give you all the betting insight you need to know, including the latest odds, trends, and predictions.
Colorado defended home ice to start this series and defeated Tampa Bay 4-3 in Game 1 and 7-0 in Game 2.
MORE: Avalanche vs. Lightning lineups: Injury report, projected starters for Game 3
The Avs again started off hot like they did in Game 1 and outplayed the Lightning from the opening faceoff. Tampa Bay’s defense struggled in front of 2020 Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy, who allowed three first-period goals and was blitzed for 30 shots by the Avalanche. Valeri Nichushkin and Cale Makar were the top two goal scorers for the Avs, each netting a pair of goals. The Lightning will look to play better at home where they’ve won their past seven games in the playoffs this season.
Avalanche vs. Lightning: Odds, betting trends for Stanley Cup Final Game 3
- Spread: Lightning -1.5 (+218)
- Over/under: 6
- Moneyline: Avalanche -104, Lightning -116
Betting odds per Sports Interaction
The Avalanche are now two wins away from winning the Stanley Cup. Teams that take a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final have a series record of 47-5. Making matters worse for the Lighting is that the Avs are undefeated on the road (7-0) in the postseason. However, Tampa Bay will not go down quietly, as it has only been shut out once in this year’s playoffs (Game 1 vs. Toronto in the first round, 5-0). The Lightning won the next game and ultimately the series in seven games.
Avalanche vs. Lightning Game 3: Expert betting picks
Against the spread
Lightning -1.5. Even though the Avalanche have been the better offensive team through the first two games, there’s no point in betting them on the puckline. In Game 2, Colorado was plus-money on the puckline, and now it's -265 for Game 3. The best bet here is for the Lightning to somehow keep it close in Game 3.
Tampa Bay has played two good periods of hockey this series, both of which came in Game 1. It’s hard to see the two-time Stanley Cup champion getting dominated at home for the third consecutive game in a must-win spot. Tampa Bay is averaging 3.62 goals per game at Amalie Arena in the postseason and defeating teams by 1.6 goals per game.
MORE: How Thunder Alley became Tampa fans' home for watching Stanley Cup playoff games
Over/Under
OVER 6 goals. We took the under in Game 2 and got burned, as the Avalanche did whatever they wanted to the Lightning’s defense. If Tampa Bay does not take control of the puck and limit Colorado’s takeaways, then we could see the over hit again.
The under is 10-3 in Tampa Bay’s last 13 games, which makes you want to lean toward that side. However, the Lightning have not shown us anything on defense through the first two games that inspire confidence. The total has gone over in seven of Colorado's past 10 games. Tampa Bay needs to jump out early on netminder Darcy Kuemper and put him in uncomfortable situations. If the Lightning can do that, we could see the OVER hit.
Player prop
Steven Stamkos to score a goal (+140). For the Lightning to have any chance of salvaging this series, they need Stamkos to lead the charge and put a puck in the net. The superstar center has not scored through the first two games, but he does have four shots.
The last time Stamkos was held without a goal or an assist in two straight games was on March 19 and March 22 against the Rangers and Hurricanes. The 32-year-old captain has scored a goal in three straight playoff home games. Expect Stamkos to find a way to make an impact in Game 3 and gives Tampa Bay fans something to cheer about.
