When trying to decide which team will win a series, many bettors tend to fall on the side of the team that has the most postseason experience. It’s just one of many factors that go into deciding who will eventually move on, but there can be no denying that it’s a big one. If that were to be the sole criteria used for determining the winner of the series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Islanders, you would have to give it to Tampa, hands down. After all, this is the team that made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last season playing against a team whose best playoff years came back in the early 80’s. If the first 3 games of this series have shown us anything, though, it’s that this is not going to be an easy passage for either team that makes it through. You can keep up to date with all the NHL betting odds on this series at MyBookie.ag.
How To Bet The Lightning vs Islanders NHL Playoffs Odds, TV & Game Info
When: Friday, May 6 at 7 PM EST
Where: Barclays Center, New York
TV: NBCSN
Radio: Lightning and Islanders
Live Stream: NBCSN
NHL Odds: TBA
Why bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning may have come into this series as slight favorites, but they absolutely knew that it wasn’t going to be easy. They continue to play without top goal scorer Steven Stamkos in the line-up, and they are up against a team that took 2 of 3 from them in the regular season. They certainly looked to be in a spot of bother after losing Game 1 on home ice, but they rebounded brilliantly to win the next 2 games, including a 5-4 come from behind OT thriller on the road in Game 3. That victory may actually have altered the whole series, as you have to wonder how the Islanders are going to rebound from a game that they really should have won.
Why bet on the New York Islanders
The Game 3 loss for the Islanders was one that has to be considered devastating, but they have to put that behind them and focus on this game, which will get them right back into the series should they win. Just as was the case in the regular season, the Islanders have done a good job of breaking down the Lightning defense. They have managed 10 goals in the 3 games so far, and the fact that they are behind right now tells you that they need to find a way to tighten up a little in their own end. It’s going to be interesting to see how this team reacts in Game 4, especially since a loss would put them right on the brink of elimination.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I may be alone in this, but I think this has been the best series to watch so far. Lots of action, lots of goals, and a scrap between 2 teams that are more evenly matched than I thought. The difference here is experience. The Lightning know how to put teams away when they have the chance, and I think they will move one step closer to doing that with the win here.
Tampa Bay Lightning 3 New York Islanders 2
