The 2022 Stanley Cup Finals heads back to Tampa for Game 3 — and, boy, is that a relief for the Lightning. The two-time-reigning champions are down 2-0 and desperately need to get in the win column, whereas Colorado could put them on the brink with another victory. We’re breaking down the June 20 matchup between both sides right here. Keep reading for our free betting picks to Game 3 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals.
2022 Stanley Cup Game 3: Over/Under Pick
Both series games so far have hit the over — with each totaling seven goals scored. Given that, it’s no surprise that top online sportsbooks are favoring the over 5.5 goals scored in Game 3. Here are the current betting odds:
As we evaluate this wager, the prevailing question has to be: what the heck is going on with Bolts’ goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy? He’s been god-awful thus far, especially in Game 2. Vasilevskiy allowed seven goals on 30 shots, which might just be the worst goaltending performance of his otherwise brilliant career. It was the only second time he’s allowed more than six goals in his career — which spans more than 450 games in the regular season and postseason.
Given Vasilevskiy’s pedigree, we could easily chalk this up as a fluky bad game. But then again, we’re not so sure. He allowed three goals in the opening period in back-to-back games now. Entering this series, that had never happened to Vasilevskiy in the playoffs, and now it’s up to two occasions.
We’re going to give the benefit of the doubt to Vasilevskiy that he can clean this up. He’s too damn good and being back at home should provide a boost. At the same time, it hasn’t been all his fault. Tampa Bay was shutout in Game 2 and has hardly created many scoring chances this whole series. That trend feels more likely to continue in Game 3 rather than Vasilevskiy struggling once more. If so, that means an under is in play for Game 3.
2022 Stanley Cup Game 3: Puck Line Pick
The Lightning were down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals and stormed back to win four in a row. However, that won’t be nearly as easy to repeat in the Cup mainly because the Avalanche have looked like the far superior team in two games. Their speed and depth has put real pressure on the potential dynasty in the making, which makes betting this puck line all the more interesting.
But we’ll be upfront: we can’t possibly imagine Tampa Bay being blown out a second straight time, little less in their home arena. They might not be as talented as their opponents, but Game 2 was also an all-time bad game for them.
Expect the Bolts’ offense to pick up slightly. In Game 2, they attempted all of 29 shots (with 16 hitting the net), which is anemic as it comes. The Avs weak link remains Darcy Kuemper in the net. We’re not saying the Lightning will find a way to score four or five goals, but three scores might be enough to win this matchup if Vasilevskiy snaps out of his funk, which we believe happens. Therefore, take Tampa to cover with their back against the wall.
2022 Stanley Cup Game 3: Moneyline Pick
The Game 3 moneyline is at pick ‘em across the top-rated NHL betting sites. That makes sense given the Avalanche’s dominance in Game 2, but at the same time, you can’t completely write off the champs on their home ice. We’re not and that’s why we’re taking the Lightning moneyline.
Being at home is just the remedy Tampa Bay needs to make this a series once more. Let’s not overlook the champ’s home record of 34-9-6 this entire season.
Not only that, but the hallmark of an elite team — which the Bolts are given their three straight Finals appearances — is adjustments. They’re losing this series mainly in the transition game and slowing down Colorado is the number-one adjustment needed. We bet that happens and Tampa wins a low-scoring game come Monday night.
How To Watch Game 3 Of 2022 Stanley Cup Finals?
For those inside the United States, Game 3 can exclusively be watched on ABC — as well as the remaining Stanley Cup games. The network has the lone broadcast rights on TV. However, there are streaming options too. Various “skinny bundles” like fuboTV or Hulu + Live TV have packages that include ABC and those will work like a charm too.
The puck drops at 8 pm EST for Game 3. As mentioned before, it all goes down on Monday, June 20.
How To Bet On 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals?
If you’ve read this far, you now have three expert betting picks on the next Stanley Cup Finals game. To lock these wagers in before Monday’s Game 3, reference the table below. We’ve listed the “best of the best” sportsbooks underneath. There are also reviews and bonus offer details in the table to make finding the best online sportsbook easy for you.
About the Author
Eric is uniquely suited to be a writer for SBS. For one, he's a journalist by trade. Eric spent a large part of his career, covering sports — high school, college, and professional — for newspapers and online-based sites. However, Eric is a bettor himself too. He has first-hand experience hanging out in smoky sportsbooks and casinos, dealing with the ebbs and flows of gambling, and an understanding of how bookies operate. Both these unique qualities make him an expert bet picker for SBS. You'll also see Eric report on the sports betting industry as a whole.
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