Expert prediction
NHL Playoffs Game 3: Maple Leafs vs Lightning Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Apr 22)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Toronto Maple Leafs came storming back in game two to level the series
- Tampa Bay Lightning has home advantage for games three and four
Interesting action in the Eastern Conference playoffs continues on Saturday, as game three of the series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs takes center stage. The Lightning will hope that home advantage can guide them to a 2-1 series lead.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 7:00 p.m ET
- Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay
- How To Watch: NHL TV
Odds
| Maple Leafs | Lightning |
|---|---|
Team News
The series between the Maple Leafs and Lightning could be set to go down to the wire, just as it did when the teams clashed in the opening round of the playoffs last season. After being blown away in the opening game between the sides, the Maple Leafs needed an instant response at the Scotiabank Arena in game two on Thursday.
That was exactly what happened, as Toronto landed a massive 7-2 home win over the Lightning. The offense flourished throughout that game, with the Maple Leafs scoring three goals in each of the opening two periods. The Lightning’s only goals came in the second and third periods when the game was effectively already over.
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John Tavares was one of the standout stars for the Leafs on Thursday, as he scored three goals in the huge win. Mitch Marner ended the night with two goals and an assist, while Morgan Rielly capped an excellent performance with four assists. William Nylander and Zach Aston-Reese also found the net.
Like the Leafs did after game one, the Lighting will now be on a discovery mission before game three. They started incredibly slowly in game two, and they will need to be much more alert in the opening period for game three. Their only goals in response were netted by Ian Cole and Corey Perry.
Picks
The Lightning won two of their three home games against the Leafs in the playoffs last season, but Toronto did pick up a 4-3 win in the most recent meeting between the sides at Amalie Arena. With the pressure on the Lightning, we could see the Maple Leafs landing a big blow on Saturday evening.
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