Panthers vs. Lightning Game 3 NHL Picks: Tampa Bay Continues to Stifle Florida's Offense

With the series shifting to Tampa Bay, the Florida Panthers head into game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals down 2-0 to the Lightning. Is it time for the Panthers to panic, or can they transform into road warriors? Read on for our Panthers-Lightning picks and predictions.

The Lightning are looking to take a 3-0 stranglehold. The defending back-to-back champions won both of the first two meetings on the road and now head to the friendly confines of the Amalie Arena with a potential sweep very much intact.

The Panthers’ much-lauded offense has almost completely fizzled out thus far against their in-state rivals, mustering a mere two goals over the first two games, while Tampa has countered with six, including four in the opening contest.

Though the series is far from over, the Panthers will need to bring a sense of urgency on Sunday afternoon if they hope to claw their way back.

Here are my picks and predictions for Sunday’s Game 3 showdown between the Lightning and Panthers (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale).

SEE ALSO: NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Series Lines and Picks

Panthers vs. Lightning Game Info

Date: Sunday, May 22, 1:30 p.m. ETTV: Sportsnet, TNT, TVASLocation: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL

Panthers vs. Lightning Odds Analysis

Florida opened as the -120 favorite, but more cash has come in for Tampa Bay, moving the line from -115 to -111 depending on the sportsbook. The underdogs are on essentially even ground and can be snatched up at -105 at DraftKings.

The goal total is set at 6.5, with the Over paying out at +100, while the Under will net you -125.

Panthers vs. Lightning Picks

Lightning (-105 via DraftKings) ????Under 6.5 (-125 via Caesars) ????Corey Perry to score (+330 via FanDuel) ???

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Panthers vs. Lightning Predictions

Lightning (-105)

Florida has been the slightly better team at five-on-five, but that hasn’t led to success on the scoreboard. Conversely, the Lightning's power play - spearheaded by a suddenly revitalized Corey Perry - is cooking through two games, lighting the lamp four times on nine opportunities (a 44% clip). Perry has buried two of those goals.

Another key to the Lightning’s recent success is Andrei Vasilevskiy's return to playoff form. After an inconsistent opening round, the 2020-21 Conn Smythe winner has stopped 68 of 70 shots against the Panthers, for a sterling 1.00 GAA and .972 save percentage. If Vasilevskiy can perform in the fashion that bagged him a playoff MVP, the Panthers are in some serious trouble.

Vasilevskiy should have another strong outing, and the Lightning will push the Panthers to the brink.

Under 6.5 (-125)

Although a matchup between two of the most talented regular-season offenses should conventionally lead to some crooked numbers on the scoreboard, the Panthers’ terrifying offense hasn’t really translated to the postseason.

Florida and Tampa Bay have averaged a combined four goals per game during the series, with their highest goal total of five coming in the opener. When you couple the Panthers’ power outage with Vasilevskiy’s aforementioned improved play, you have the recipe for a potentially low-scoring affair.

Perry goal (+330)

Perry has played his way onto Tampa’s top power-play unit, and it’s paying immediate dividends. With goals in consecutive games, the 37-year-old winger has four goals in the postseason, with three of them coming on the man advantage.

Where to Bet on Panthers-Lightning Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel SportsbookCaesars SportsbookDraftKings SportsbookPointsBetBetMGM

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Panthers-Lightning picks made on 5/22/2022 at 6:47 a.m. ET.