Lightning vs. Rangers picks, odds: Expert predictions for Game 3 of NHL Eastern Conference final

The Tampa Bay Lightning lost consecutive playoff games for the first time in three years.

The New York Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning twice in a row to start the conference finals. The Rangers are now 2-0 up in the series. Tampa is still favored in Game 3, but is only +200 to win the game.

The Lightning and Rangers are playing Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Channels: ESPN, CBC, SN, ESPN. Lightning vs. Rangers is Game 3 of NHL Eastern Conference final.

Lightning and Rangers are playing in Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference final.

Rangers lead the series 2-0.

The Athletic's writers make their picks for the Stanley Cup playoffs every day. They put their predictions, the TV schedule and all series coverage, plus the latest odds, all in one place for fans to easily digest and follow.

Rangers are the favorite in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Lightning.

Rangers lead 2-0 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final against Lightning.

Tampa Bay won the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final against New York. The Rangers won 3-1 thanks to goals from Mika Zibanejad and Igor Shesterkin. It's the second consecutive loss for the Lightning in the playoffs since 2019.   The game was played at even strength. Tampa had a sizable edge in even-strength shots, scoring chances and expected goals. New Yorkers had more offensive options than Tampa. They won because Tampa's turnovers in all three zones were bad.

Zibanejad scored the winning goal. The goal was a perfect encapsulation of Tampa Bay's problems through the first 42 minutes.

Mika Zibanejad makes it 3-1 early in the third.

The Lightning are 2-0 up in the Eastern Conference final against the Rangers.

Rangers are the first team since 2019 to lose back-to-back postseason games.