Stanley Cup Final 2015: Lightning vs. Blackhawks Game 3 Odds and Predictions

Game 3 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final could sway things for good between the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning.

After Chicago's championship pedigree found its way through Game 1 to set the tone, the Lightning were able to get one back by playing to their strengths in Game 2. The Blackhawks might have the home-ice advantage after stealing the series opener, but momentum is with the road squad as play heads to Chicago's United Center.

Hours remain until the puck drops around 8 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Take a look below for the latest odds, along with a preview and pick for the game.

Stanley Cup Final Odds for Game 3

Spread	Moneyline	Over/Under
Chicago -1.5 (2-1)	CHI 2-3, TBL 34-25	5.5

Odds courtesy of Odds Shark

Game 3 Preview and Prediction

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Two storylines have continued to develop that each respective team needed in order to have a chance in this series, turning toward Game 3 to decide which squad will truly have the edge for the Cup.

The Blackhawks might object somewhat to the above statement, but the reality is their signature grit and determination brought them through in a sloppy Game 1. Despite trailing for the majority of the road opener, two goals in less than two minutes late in the third period pushed things in Chicago's favor.

But as they've become known to do in these playoffs, the Lightning answered with their backs against the wall. Amid another Blackhawks comeback in Game 2, they exploded for four goals and proved they can win playing to their high-flying strengths.

There was reason for concern when the Blackhawks held Tampa Bay to just one goal in Game 1, but a return to their roots found the Lightning confident heading into Chicago. As Steven Stamkos told NHL.com's Dan Rosen, Tampa Bay turned the tables by attacking:

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"I do think we learned our lesson," Stamkos said. "We definitely didn't sit back. I know they tied it up earlier than they did last time, but even before that we were trying to keep pressure on them, keep the puck.

"I think we were able to use Game 1 as some motivation going into the third to know that we wanted to finish this one off and make a series out of it."

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Now comes the arduous task of turning from using disappointment as motivation to using success as motivation. And they could attempt to do so without their starting goaltender.

Ben Bishop left Game 2 due to an injury during a crucial stage of the third period, leaving rookie Andrey Vasilevskiy to replace him and close it out for the win. He did well to preserve the victory there, but he might be asked to play the full 60 minutes Monday.

As Jon Cooper told the media Monday afternoon, it appeared to be a game-time decision, per Sports Illustrated's Brian Hamilton:

Neither Vasilevskiy nor Bishop saw the usual Blackhawks in Game 2, although they did put up three goals. That's because Patrick Kane didn't notch a single shot on goal, which is sparking head coach Joel Quenneville to split him and Jonathan Toews up for Game 3, per NBC Chicago's James Neveau.

One player Kane could line up alongside is Brian Bickell, who explained why he's been out of the lineup for Games 1 and 2 but acknowledged he's good for Game 3, per Tracey Myers of CSN:

The Lightning are awfully close to being up 2-0 in this series heading to the Windy City, and they shouldn't be easily shaken after slaying Eastern Conference dragons on the road to get here. But they haven't seen the Blackhawks at their full potential just yet.

Chicago can win in a lot of ways, and that includes in a fast-paced offensive onslaught like this series is beginning to turn into. Separating Kane and Toews will open up both of the Blackhawks' marquee lines, and question marks at the goalie spot could accentuate Tampa Bay's problems.

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are running the point to perfection, and it's only a matter of time until their star forwards follow suit near the net. A return to home ice will revitalize Chicago's attack and re-take control of the series.

Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Lightning 2