What a difference home ice has meant in this series! It would be easy to blame Kuemper for the Game Three loss; a .773 Save %is unacceptable at any time. A finger can also be pointed at the Av’s defense, who after a brilliant effort in Game 2, allowed double the number of shots and had obvious gaffes and missed coverages. More disciplined disciplined play is vital; the Av’s allowed far too many PP opportunities. Kudos must go to the Lightning. A proud and experienced team answered back in a big way, with a much better game from their offense and from Vasilevskiy.

What can we expect in Game Four? The Av’s goaltending is the biggest issue, but I expect a much better effort from the Colorado defense. I don’t expect to see the Av’s held to 2 goals, Vasilevskiy or no. If the Lightning can deliver another effort similar to Game 3’s, a second home win is not out of the question. This is the first time in the play-offs that the Av’s have been shut down, and I expect a huge response tonight. A winner is very much up in the air, but I was burned badly in underestimating Tampa Bay at home, and I am not about to be struck twice. I am sticking to the total tonight. Take Game Four to go over.