There is a lot of hard work that goes into winning a playoff series, but of you were to look at it as a simple template, it would all begin with getting a split on the road in the opening two games. Every team that has to play the extra game away from home starts the series with that mindset, knowing that getting the split will shift home ice advantage in their favor. The New York Islanders dealt a body blow to the Tampa Bay Lightning by going into Florida and getting that all important win on the road. It all means nothing, though, if they cannot hold serve in their own building, which makes Games 3 and 4 in this series totally crucial. If the Islanders win both, they will have a stranglehold, but a single win by the Lightning will be enough for them to steal home ice advantage right back. This series hangs in the balance right now, and you can wager on it at our MyBookie.ag pro hockey online betting portal.

How To Bet The Lightning vs Islanders NHL Playoffs Odds, TV & Game Info

When: Tuesday, May 3 at 7 PM EST Where: Barclays Center, New York TV: NBCSN Radio: Islanders and Lightning Live Stream: NBCSN NHL Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning

If there was a potential upset on the books in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, it was like to be in the Lightning/Red Wings series. Tampa ended up winning it in 5 games, but you have to wonder just how far they can go without Steven Stamkos in the line-up. Stamkos is suffering from blood clots that don’t just threaten his season, but also potentially his career. There is no timetable for his return, and smart money has the Lightning having to play the entire postseason without him. Tampa were great defensively in Round 1, and while they did drop a game at home in this series, a return to said defensive form could see them sneak at least 1 game in the Big Apple.

Why bet on the New York Islanders

The Islanders sis not end the regular season in particularly great form, but their performance in the opening round of the playoffs versus the Florida Panthers made people sit up and take notice. They did well to steal the opening game of this series, but were totally outmatched in Game 2, which they lost 4-1. The split still has to be viewed as a job well done, though, and it’s worth noting that the Islanders haven’t lost on home ice to Tampa since way back in 2013. They also won the regular season series versus the Lightning, which should give them confidence heading into the next 2 games.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

If you look at what Tampa have done so far through the playoffs, you have to look at their 5-3 loss in the opening game to the Islanders as a bit of an aberration. The Lightning defense has been solid in every other game besides that one, and I think it is that which will carry them through game 3. Tampa Bay Lightning 3 New York Islanders 2