Lightning vs Stars Game 3 Odds & Picks – Sep. 23

• The Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars are tied 1-1 in their Stanley Cup Final series
• The Bolts are -157 favorites for Game 3 on Wednesday, September 23 at 8:00 PM EST
• Read below for our game preview and betting advice

The Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning is now a best-of-five after the Bolts won Game 2 to even up the series. The Lightning have opened as -157 favorites in Game 3 on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 8:00 PM EST.

With both games so far being fairly close, what’s the best way to bet on the Game 3 Lightning vs Stars odds?

Lightning vs Stars Game 3 Odds

Odds taken Sep. 21 at DraftKings.

The Lightning have seen a boost in their odds after evening up the series. They were only listed as -143 favorites heading into Game 2.

Lightning Strikes in Game 2

After dropping Game 1 by a 3-1 score, the Lightning responded with a massive 3-2 victory in Game 2 on Monday. Tampa Bay started much better in Game 2 after appearing lifeless in the early goings of Game 1. They jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and had to fend off a Dallas comeback to garner the victory.

Tampa Bay’s top line looked very good in the win, with the trio of Nikita Kucherov, Ondrej Palat and Brayden Point combining for two goals. The Stars’ top line of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov, meanwhile, is yet to score in the series.

One of the biggest positives for the Lightning in Game 2 was that two of their three goals came with the man advantage. This Tampa team is loaded with talent and their puck movement on the power play in Game 2 was lethal. Coming into Game 2, the Bolts power play had gone 0-for-14 in their last four games.

Steven Stamkos Nearing Return 

One of the reasons you’ll want to consider backing Tampa Bay for Game 3 is captain Steven Stamkos. The injured superstar center is yet to play this postseason, but he’s reportedly nearing a return. Stamkos skated with the team at the morning skate ahead of Game 2, and there’s speculation he could return for Game 3.

Steven Stamkos is taking part in the #TBLightning skate before Game 2. pic.twitter.com/OdrpyN0aM8

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 21, 2020

Stamkos hasn’t played an NHL game since late-February, so there will undoubtedly be some rust when he returns. This is still a former 60-goal-scorer in the prime of his career who is among the NHL’s best at putting the puck in the net.

A potential Stamkos return could provide a big morale boost for the team. Whenever he does return, the Lightning are going to be fired up to get him back and will be playing inspired hockey. A Game 3 return isn’t confirmed yet, but he’s certainly getting close.

The Best Bet for Game 3

These have been two fairly tight games, and Dallas being listed as +135 underdogs for Game 3 does a bit of disservice to how good this Stars team has been this postseason. Even after falling behind 3-0 in Game 1, they showed great fight rallying to make it a one-goal game.

One more!#GoStars pic.twitter.com/hSSH40Cg7m

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 22, 2020

Despite the price, there are two key stats that point to the Lightning being the play for Game 3. Those being special teams and the third period. Tampa Bay finally got their power play going in Game 2, which is a problem for Dallas considering all the talent they’re facing. The Bolts have also outshot Dallas 34-7 in the third periods of this series. If it’s another tight game in Game 3, bet on the Bolts getting the job done late.

A potential Stamkos return could make this Tampa Bay team extra inspired for Game 3. They got their power play going in Game 2 and have looked like the much better team when it comes to crunch time.

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning ML (-157)