adam-williams/&source=gmail&ust=1745918529939000&usg=AOvVaw0XNp34fiO7GDXlbuX-bBdD" href="https://legalbet.uk/expert/adam-williams/" target="_blank">Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Following the conclusion of Game 3 in Sunrise, the Tampa Bay Lightning managed to get on the board in the series with a 5:1 victory, largely thanks to 33 saves from Andrei Vasilevskiy. However, the Florida Panthers still retain home-ice advantage. Whether the Tampa Bay Lightning can win two consecutive road games remains a significant question, especially considering their stronger performances at home throughout the regular season.
Florida Panthers
As the series edges towards its midpoint, it is possible to draw some preliminary conclusions, which are, by and large, positive for the Florida Panthers. Firstly, the Panthers have been better at even strength, controlling 54.9% xG, creating more high-danger chances from the slot (28-24), and finishing their shots at a comparable efficiency level (8.9%) to that of their opponents. Secondly, the hosts have successfully neutralised the Tampa Bay Lightning’s primary weapon — their lethal power play. Thus far, the Tampa Bay Lightning have scored just one goal with the man advantage.
Tampa Bay Lightning
It is worth pausing to explore this aspect further. The Tampa Bay Lightning's special teams have not only been converting opportunities at an alarmingly low rate (7.69%) but have also been creating very little. Among all playoff participants, they have spent the most time on the power play (27:41) but have generated the least expected goals (1.66). This has caused significant problems. Throughout the current season, the Lightning did not dominate at even strength (ranking 13th in xG) and heavily relied on their power play. This situation also allows the Florida Panthers to employ their aggressive and, frankly, abrasive style that has proven effective in the playoffs. Since the opponent is not punishing them on the power play, the Panthers can afford to play even more physically.
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction
Even in Game 3, the Florida Panthers created more scoring chances — it was Andrei Vasilevskiy who bailed the visitors out, preventing 3.13 xG. Moreover, the key winning goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning came from a rather fortunate deflection. The Panthers still hold the better cards — at least as long as they continue to kill penalties effectively. We back the home team to secure victory in Game 4.
