Things got really chippy at the end of Game 2 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Islanders. Even though neither Game 1 nor 2 was overly competitive, we still feel like we're splitting hairs with these two teams. The pushing, shoving and fighting could really spill over into Game 3 even though these two will have two and a half days to prepare for it.
NHL Playoff Odds at BookMaker.eu
Tampa Bay Lightning 108
New York islanders -112
Over/Under 5 (over -115)
ODDS ANALYSIS
Is there really any way to line this game other than at a pick 'em? Tampa Bay was favored by margins of -147 and -161 in its two games at home, and that's screaming for a game to be set with both teams at minus odds in Game 3.
This won't be dissimilar to what the Isles had to go through against the Panthers when they were either really short favorites or really short dogs in their three games played at the Barclays Center in that series.
GOALIE REPORT
If you're a Lightning supporter, it's good to see Ben Bishop looking like Ben Bishop again. The Bolts' goalie was terrible in Game 1 of this series and got the hook, but like a true pro, he came back in Game 2 and stopped 19-of-20 shots to pick up his fifth victory of the playoffs.
Thomas Greiss wasn't bad, but he wasn't exactly spot on either. He allowed three goals on the 30 shots he faced in Game 2, though the final score looked like he had a worse game than he really did thanks to the Tyler Johnson empty netter in the dying minutes of the affair.
LIVE BETTING
The only things in the way of the Lightning in Game 2 were the zebras. Ondrej Palat, Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle all served time in the opening period, yet the team still managed to score two goals around all those infractions.
The penalty kill for Tampa Bay though, has been outstanding. The club is now 31-of-34 in the second season on the kill, and those efforts have sparked a ton of goals shortly after the penalty time expired. In both of the goals in the first period which set the tone on Saturday afternoon, the Lightning had killed off penalties within just a few minutes of finding the back of the net.
QUICK PICK
The Islanders will kick themselves for all of the chances they let go begging in Game 2, but if they get those types of opportunities in Game 3, they'll be back in front in this series.
Greiss does worry us a bit, as he really didn't look sure of himself at the start of that game and let in a couple goals that maybe he should've gotten.
Still, what are the odds of John Tavares and Kyle Okposo getting shutout for a second straight game, especially if the Lightning are going to take so many penalties? Not good for sure.
This is still very much so a series at this point, and if New York really is either an underdog or a very short favorite in this NHL game, we'll welcome it for sure on Tuesday night.
NHL Odds: Islanders 3, Lightning 2
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly interface on your smartphone or tablet provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! Game 3 of the series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Islanders will start at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at the Barclays Center. The contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.
