Panthers vs. Lightning Game 3 Prediction and Odds (Desperate Panthers Bounce Back)

The Tampa Bay Lightning head home with a 2-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers after winning the first two contests by a combined 6-2 score.

Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals gets underway Sunday, May 21st, at 1:30 PM EST, and the Panthers desperately need an offensive spark to avoid a disappointing loss.

WynnBET Sportsbook has the Lightning listed at -400 to win the series compared to +310 for Florida.

Can the visitors avoid a 3-0 series deficit or will the Lightning take full control of the series on their quest for a third consecutive Stanley Cup?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET to help find out ahead of this pivotal Lightning vs Panthers Game 3 matchup:

Panthers vs Lightning Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Panthers: -115
• Lightning: -105

Puck line:

• Panthers -1.5 (+200)
• Lightning +1.5 (-250)

Total:

• 6.5 (Over +100/Under -120)

Panthers vs Lightning Prediction and Pick

The Panthers should be downright embarrassed with their performance in the first two games of this series. They led the NHL in goals during the regular season by a huge margin, but so far have mustered only two goals total against the Lightning.

Now, with their backs against the wall, they have to find a way to beat one of the best home teams in all of hockey. Tampa Bay went 27-8 at home this season, including winning six of seven to close the year.

Florida was an excellent road team in their own right, going 19-7 over their final 26, but they've looked thoroughly outclassed thus far in the series.

That being said, I've been a believer in the Panthers all season and I think they come out with their best effort. As BetSided's Ben Heisler told us today, the odds are certainly stacked against Florida. But the Lightning were just 2-5 in their final seven games as a home underdog and the Panthers went 9-2 in their last 11 as a road favorite.

It's understandable for Florida to have struggled early in the series. They've never been to the second round as a franchise and the Lightning are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions for a reason. The Panthers have had a couple of games to calm their nerves, and I do believe they're the more talented squad overall.

There's no way Florida comes back from a 3-0 series deficit, so they should pull out all the stops to steal one on the road. Give me the Panthers at short odds to get the series back within striking distance.

Pick: Panthers (-115)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.