The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets are finally getting ready to face off in Game 3 of their second-round series, a bit behind the other matchups. The game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon on TBS at 4:30 p.m. ET. Following this game, the Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Florida Panthers at 7:30 p.m. ET on TBS.
So, who’s going to take the lead in the Central teams’ battle? Can the Panthers bounce back against the Leafs after Brad Marchand’s heroics in Game 3? ESPN Research provides some statistical insights to help us figure it out.
In the Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars matchup, both teams have won a game each in Winnipeg, setting the stage for Game 3 in Dallas. ESPN BET has updated the series odds, with the Stars being the favorites at -170 to win the series. The Jets are at +140 to advance. The Stars have the second-shortest odds to win the Stanley Cup at +400, while the Jets are at +900.
Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck impressed with a 22-save shutout in Game 2, marking his fourth career postseason shutout. He also became the sixth goalie in NHL history to record the first four playoff shutouts in a franchise’s history. On the Jets’ side, Nikolaj Ehlers showed his scoring prowess with two goals in Game 2, his second career multigoal postseason game.
Mikko Rantanen, on the other hand, saw his streak of five straight multipoint playoff games come to an end in Game 2 for the Dallas Stars. He currently shares the playoff scoring lead with Toronto’s William Nylander, with 15 points.
The Stars were shut out for the second time this postseason in Game 2, but they bounced back with a strong home win after their first shutout.
Moving on to the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers game, the Panthers managed to secure a thrilling win in Game 3. ESPN BET now has the Leafs at -125 to win the series, with the Panthers at +105. Both teams are in the mix for the Stanley Cup, with the Panthers slightly ahead at +550 compared to the Leafs at +600.
Brad Marchand’s overtime heroics in Game 3 extended his record for consecutive postseasons with a game-winning goal, dating back to 2017. Sergei Bobrovsky, aka “Playoff Bob,” hasn’t quite shown his best form yet, ranking sixth among goaltenders in Round 2 for goals-against average and save percentage.
John Tavares stepped up for the Maple Leafs with two goals in Game 3, his fourth career multigoal playoff game. Morgan Rielly continues to lead the franchise in playoff goals by a defenseman with 15 to his name.
As for the Three Stars of Saturday, we saw some intense moments in the games. Leon Draisaitl scoring an own goal with one second left in a game heading to overtime was definitely unexpected. Reilly Smith from the Vegas Golden Knights scored two goals, including the game winner, while Jack Roslovic of the Carolina Hurricanes finished with two points in a 4-0 victory over the Washington Capitals.
The Hurricanes dominated the Capitals with a shutout win in Game 3, led by Frederik Andersen’s stellar performance in goal. The Golden Knights pulled off a stunning victory against the Oilers in the final seconds of regulation, thanks to Reilly Smith’s buzzer-beating goal.
And there you have it, the latest updates from the NHL playoffs. Who will come out on top in these crucial Game 3 matchups? Let’s tune in and find out!
