NHL Playoffs 2015: Updated Schedule, Stanley Cup Odds and Picks

Time (ET)	Game 3 Matchups (Spread)	Over/Under	Pick ATS
12 p.m.	Washington Capitals @ New York Islanders (-1.5)	5.5	WSH
3 p.m.	Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks (-1.5)	5	CHI
7 p.m.	Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators (-1.5)	5	MTL
10 p.m.	Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames (-1.5)	5	VAN

Through the first four days of the Stanley Cup playoffs, six of the eight first-round series are tied 1-1.  The new divisional-based format instituted two years ago promised to create tighter series through familiarity, and it appears the league will get its wish in 2015.

Three of Sunday's four Game 3s involve series knotted at a game apiece, hardly a surprise given how many people picked the higher-seeded Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames to win their respective series.  Between the eight games played among Sunday's four series, just three games have been decided by more than one goal, with three going to overtime.

Taking a look at the Sunday postseason schedule and odds via Odds Shark, let's pick the winner for each series-swinging Game 3 and analyze the keys to the contests.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Sunday Games

Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders

A trendy Stanley Cup pick, the Washington Capitals were in a tenuous spot after dropping Game 1, especially with Braden Holtby out in Game 2.  Despite struggles from backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer, a furious third-period rally enabled the Caps to even the series as it moves to Nassau Coliseum. 

Holtby wasn't particularly strong in Game 1, conceding three goals on 26 shots, but given that he started a league-high 71 games in net during the regular season, Washington doesn't really have an alternative if its starter is out.  Fortunately for the Caps, it appears his Game 2 sickness has subsided enough for him to return to the lineup, according to Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington:

Mark Zaleski/Associated Press

Thus far, the Caps have outshot the Islanders 60-48 in the series on the strength of nine power plays.  However, the Isles' special teams have been excellent in killing off seven of those odd-man advantages.  Moreover, New York skaters blocked a remarkable 27 shots in Game 2.  

Still, it's hard to imagine the Isles defense holding up under such consistent pressure, especially given that Washington boasted the top-ranked power-play scoring percentage in the league during the regular season.  The Caps' uncharacteristic drought on that end has kept the series knotted, but the Islanders are playing with fire by committing so many penalties.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators

Despite their third-place finish in the Central Division, the Chicago Blackhawks are widely viewed as top Stanley Cup contenders, while few picked the upstart Nashville Predators to win the title.  Some might be rethinking that, however, after a dominating 6-2 Predators Game 2 win in which Nashville peppered Corey Crawford with three goals in a two-minute stretch in the third period.

Having conceded nine goals on 47 shots, Crawford now has an abysmal .809 save percentage this series.  According to the Chicago Tribune's Chris Hine, it appears that Joel Quenneville is ready to turn to Scott Darling, whose perfect 47-save showing in Game 1 catalyzed Chicago's three-goal comeback.

Nashville has largely controlled the series on its home ice, but the Preds suffered a pair of massive injuries to Shea Weber and Mike Fisher during Friday night's victory.  Though Fisher is a possibility to play, Nashville will be missing its stalwart defender when it heads to the United Center:

Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

If Roman Josi can continue his strong offensive showing, the Preds might be able to survive Weber's loss.  Without him, though, it's not hard to imagine Nashville falling into a 3-1 hole after a pair of games in the Windy City.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators

Ottawa's Cinderella run to the postseason is in serious danger of striking midnight after a pair of losses at the Bell Centre, including a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat in Game 2.  AHL lifer Andrew Hammond was one of the regular season's best stories, but having allowed seven goals over the first two games, it appears the regression that began towards the end of the regular season has continued into the postseason, according to Arpon Basu of LNH.com:

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

In fairness, Hammond's .914 save percentage this series is hardly anything to scoff at, even if it is well below his .941 regular-season mark.  Ottawa's bigger problem is its issues during long changes, as the Sens have been outshot 50-34 in second periods so far this series, which doesn't even include Alex Galchenyuk's Game 2 overtime winner.

Indeed, rookie Mark Stone's emergence gave the Senators a formidable top line, but the Calder Memorial Trophy candidate has totally disappeared thus far.  Stone didn't take a single shot in Game 2, and though he continues to contribute by swiping the puck, Ottawa isn't generating enough time in the offensive zone without contributions from its top right wing.

Game 3 looms as a must-win for Ottawa, but the physical Sens have had issues containing the Habs' speed thus far.  With Montreal clicking on all cylinders, it's tough to see the Atlantic Division champs not moving on for a second-round meeting against either Detroit or Tampa Bay.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames

"

So no one cares about ice-time when you're ragdolling a playoff opponent, right? pic.twitter.com/qP98f9wjji

— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) April 18, 2015"

Vancouver snapped a six-game postseason losing streak with Friday's dominant 4-1 win.  The Canucks outshot the Flames 13-3 in the opening frame and built a two-goal lead they maintained for the rest of the night.  Indeed, Vancouver's win was one of the most lopsided games of the postseason thus far:

However, no one should write off the underdog Flames, who stole Game 1 in the final minute amid a fast-paced tempo.  The Canucks were able to muddy the waters in Game 2 with a memorable line brawl, but those fireworks should not deter Calgary from returning to a more speed-based game, especially for its top line.

The bigger concern for the Flames could be the health of center Sean Monahan.  The 20-year-old has powered Calgary's top line with excellent two-way play, but an apparent shoulder injury has limited him to just two shots and a minus-3 rating in the series.  Most tellingly, after winning over 49 percent of his faceoffs during the regular season, Monahan has lost 24 of 36 draws over the first two games.

Coupled with injuries to Dennis Wideman and rookie Sam Bennett, the Flames are already walking wounded.  Look for the Canucks to steal at least one in Alberta to regain home ice in this series.