NHL Betting: Lightning vs Rangers Game 3 Prop Bets – 06/05/2022

The Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Rangers for Game 3 but have a 0-2 series deficit to overcome. While they’re not in full-panic mode yet, a sense of urgency can be felt for the Lightning. They came close in Game 2, keeping the score tight, but the Rangers held on to a 3-2 lead to secure another win at home. Can they even up the series with the energy of their home crowd? This is where you’ll find everything, including team win odds, the over/under, and point spreads.

Steven Stamkos – Anytime Goal-Scorer (+140)

Should the Lightning get back into this series, they’ll need their captain Steven Stamkos to be at his best. In Games 3 and 4 in two series, he’s lit the lamp three times, providing his team the leadership to get through the grind. Over the course of his career, he’s been an offensive juggernaut, and he’ll aim to help his team out of a tough situation. The Lightning will need more than two goals tonight, and Stamkos is someone who can help achieve that.

Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay Lightning
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

At +140, it’s intriguing to put a few dollars on him with how well he’s played so far in the series against the Rangers. While they’ve been outclassed in two games, the Lightning are still playing at a high calibre and are getting their chances. They need to start completing their plays and solving Igor Shesterkin before they’re put on the ropes and miss out on their chance for three consecutive Stanley Cup titles.

Victor Hedman – Player Points (Over 0.5, -175)

The post-game show after Game 2 highlighted some concerning patterns of Victor Hedman‘s play. The 2018 Norris Trophy winner appeared lost at certain points in his own end, and the concern grew over the idea that he’s become overwhelmed. He was held off the scoresheet in Game 1 but picked up a primary assist on the Lightning’s first goal the following game.

While Tampa Bay has the tools across all four lines, they still need Hedman to contribute on offense if they hope to keep up with New York. He’s a proven winner at this stage and knows how to play under pressure, so expect him to be back to his usual form. The Lightning are excellent at forcing teams to take penalties using their speed and tenacity. If they can get on the man advantage early, look for Hedman to make them pay.

Chris Kreider – Anytime Goal-Scorer (+200)

Scoring three times in his last four games, Chris Kreider has managed to elevate his game to the next level. That’s not good news for Tampa Bay, given the fact that he’s coming off a 52-goal regular season. He’s come up clutch for the Rangers in the last two series and has a goal already against the Lightning. Kreider is also averaging a higher goals-per-game rate this postseason compared to the rest of his career.

Chris Kreider New York Rangers
Chris Kreider, New York Rangers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The tricky part about figuring him out is that he doesn’t take as many shots as someone who scored over 50. In his last five games, he’s fired more than two shots on goal only once, and he scored twice on that occasion. Kreider doesn’t need many looks because when he gets an opportunity, he makes good on it. In seven road games thus far, he has four goals to his name, and he’ll look to add some more against the Lightning.

Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.

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