8pm - Tampa Bay +145 at Chicago -155 O/U 5.5
With game 3, the Stanley Cup Final moves to Chicago tonight with the Blackhawks and Lightning all tied up at a game a piece.
There are two key items to consider when handicapping this game.
1. The status of Tampa Bay G Ben Bishop. Bishop was pulled twice in game 2 and head coach Jon Cooper hasn't officially named a starter for tonight. if it isn't Bishop it will be Andrei Vasilevskiy, who relieved Bishop in 4-3 Lightning win in game 2.
If Bishop is OK, then there should be no issue, but if he isn't 100% or if the rookie Vasilevskiy has to play, it will not be advantageous for Tampa Bay. The 20 year old Vasilevskiy has played in just 19 NHL games.
The mystery behind Bishop's status is strange, to say the least.
2. Chicago's excellent home record vs. Tampa Bay's stellar road mark.
Something's got to give as the Blackhawks are 7-1 SU in their last 8 home games while the Lightning come in with a 7-2 SU mark in their last 9 road games. I give the slight edge to Chicago at the United Center.
Blackhawk G Corey Crawford gave up 4 goals in Saturday's loss as he will look to redeem himself in front of the home crowd.
I like the over tonight as there is too much offensive firepower for both teams and a lot of uncertainty in goal. Blackhawk games have gone over in 5 of their last 6 contests overall.
Chicago 4 Tampa Bay 3
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