Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (63) jumps into left winger Taylor Hall (71) after scoring the overtime game-winner in Game 2 of a Stanley Cup first round playoff series of hockey match against the Washington Capitals on Monday, May 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo / Alex Brandon)

• The Bruins and Capitals play in Game 3 of their Stanley Cup First Round playoff series on Wednesday, May 19
• Boston and Washington have separated both games in Washington, with both games decided in overtime.
• Read below for odds, game overview and choice of bets

The Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals meet again, but this time from Boston. Game 3 takes place on Wednesday, May 19 (6:30 p.m. EST) at TD Garden and will air on NBCSN.

Boston is listed as -148 home favorites to win Game 3 of the series despite the split in Washington, where they mostly evenly dominated.

Should you bet the Bruins to take a 2-1 lead in the series, or do teams continue to alternate wins and losses against each other?

Capitals vs Bruins Game 3 odds

Odds as of May 18

Boston Secondary Score

The biggest key to this series for the Boston Bruins was going to be his secondary scoring. In last year’s playoff bubble, it all practically disappeared. This year was headed for the same fate until Taylor Hall was traded from Buffalo to Boston. Considering Hall had scored two goals in Buffalo, few expected the turnaround to be so abrupt. The left winger went from an average of one point every two games to 14 points in 16 games. He’s averaged three shots per game in Boston, compared to 2.36 per game in Buffalo.

Every metric increased, including his shooting percentage, which jumped to 16.7% (eight goals in all). That increase in scoring has already paid off in this year’s playoffs as he scored the tying goal in Game 2. There’s more.

The Boston winger ranks respectably when it comes to expected goals – especially evenly. Hall made a huge difference in the final month of the season for the Bruins. That’s why Washington has had such a hard time 5-5 with Hall’s line because they can’t compete.

Taylor Hall had a great game last night. He had 11 attempts to shoot, including 7 on the net, generating 1.27 xG for himself! In the end, he was rewarded with a tying goal in the 3rd period. Overall, the 2nd row was excellent as the Bruins had almost an 80% share of xG w / Hall. pic.twitter.com/uo4FzNS7nN

– Andy and Rono 📊 (@HockeyStatsCZ) May 18, 2021

Hall creates plays and rushes to the net as often as he wants. Washington keeps the avenues open, so it continues to exploit these loopholes.

Washington and their goalie

Now Washington already had a dilemma as to who they would start at the net against Boston. Vitek Vanecek didn’t even last an entire period. He stopped three of four shots before pulling a muscle after allowing a goal. Craig Anderson had to back down for the Capitals because Ilya Samsonov was on COVID protocol for the second time this season.

Anderson was very relieved helping Washington win the first game in overtime. He gave up only one goal on 22 shots. Game 2 saw the Bruins ramp up and Anderson allowed four goals on 48 shots in the overtime loss. He played pretty well though, which puts Peter Laviolette in a pickle sort of way.

Brad Marchand wins in overtime.

What a feed from Matt Grzelcyk. pic.twitter.com/iKWwCWl8hr

– Conor Ryan (@ ConorRyan_93) May 18, 2021

Can Laviolette count on a goalkeeper of nearly 40 years? Anderson’s lateral movement had become slower as the game progressed and especially on the overtime goal. While the veteran keeper has played well, do they plan to go to Ilya Samsonov for Game 3 if he’s healthy?

Bruins vs Capitals Series Odds

Capitals vs Bruins Game 3 Best Bet

The Bruins are modest favorites to now win Game 3 and the Series as they hold certain advantages in goaltending, defense and scoring depth. Their net duo is better than Washington’s right now and again Boston’s ability to play better on a tie will ultimately make a bigger difference as the series progresses.

Phenomenal response from Jake DeBrusk tonight, building on his G1 effort and bringing it all night. Obviously, his confidence – mental and physical – was at an all-time low during the regular season. Now he pulls, grinds and plays from both sides. He is back. #NHLBruins

– Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) May 18, 2021

The only question for Boston comes down to execution. Their expected goals for are incredible evenly (especially Game 2). Boston tied four times on Monday night. If they get a production like the one Jake DeBrusk provided among others, Washington won’t last long in this series, no matter who is in the net on either side. Take the Boston at -148 on the moneyline in the Capitals vs Bruins Game 3 odds.

Picks: Boston Bruins ML (-148)

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