Tag: Andrei Vasilevskiy

Conn Smythe rankings, Stanley Cup Final Game 5: Cale Makar in line for more greatness

The NHL’s leading superstar defenseman will likely get even more flowers.

After the high adrenaline, controversial mess that was Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, Friday night at Ball Arena will mark the first time the Cup will be in the building for someone to take home.

That team is, of course, the Colorado Avalanche, which holds a commanding 3-1 series lead after its contentious overtime winner. Should Colorado dispatch the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, they will have won their first Stanley Cup in over two decades. I can practically feel the goosebumps forming on my forearms.

With the Avs on the brink of such greatness, the underlying debate over who is most responsible for their playoff success will only heat up through the evening. Odds-makers with Tipico Sportsbook have a clear idea about a certain Colorado defenseman, but by no means are his teammates out of the picture for the postseason MVP award.

Let’s examine the current odds for the Conn Smythe with the Avalanche one win away from the Cup.

Conn Smythe tracker after Stanley Cup Final Game 1: Cale Makar is NHL’s next great D-man

We could be looking at the NHL’s next special blueliner.

Every great NHL team has two common characteristics: at least one great No. 1 center and at least one great No. 1 defenseman.

The Colorado Avalanche are in the Stanley Cup Final against the two-time defending champs in the Lightning (-1.5), so it’s obvious they’re pretty good. But they wouldn’t be here, and they wouldn’t be three wins away from the franchise’s first Cup in more than two decades if it weren’t for their top center Nathan MacKinnon and top defenseman Cale Makar.

As we get set for the rest of this potential barnburner of a series, it’s these two superstars who lead the way for the NHL’s top postseason honor: The Conn Smythe Trophy.

But before this series gets really heated, who else is in line for the prestigious award? Let’s dive in!

Andrei Vasilevskiy allowed his 1st five-hole goal of the 2022 playoffs in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final

Wait what?

It took 18 games into the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs for Andrei Vasilevskiy to allow a five-hole goal. Wait, what?

Game 1 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final began on Wednesday between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche. Hockey fans have a lot to look forward to in this series with all the star power on display, and so far Game 1 has not disappointed.

With the first period only halfway over, the Avalanche took a 2-0 lead on the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. A terrible turnover in the defensive zone for the Lightning turned into a golden chance for Valeri Nichushkin all alone in front, as he zipped the puck past Vasilevskiy and sent the home Avalanche fans into a frenzy.

Vasilevskiy certainly wants that soft goal back for sure, especially given the caliber of goaltender we know he can be. The wildest part, however, is that goal was the first goal of these playoffs that caught Vasilevskiy between the legs.

Yes, really!

That’s incredible stuff. We know Vasilevskiy is a sensational goaltender in his own right, but to not allow a five-hole goal until Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is something else. Of course, he will need to be better for the Lightning as the team looks to three-peat.

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Stanley Cup Final prop bet payday: 4 prop bet predictions for Game 1

Highlighting 4 prop bet predictions for Game 1 of the 2022 Stanly Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche.

The Tampa Bay Lightning throw down against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+).

Below, we list the best value prop bets from Tipico Sportsbook‘s 2022 Stanley Cup Final Game 1 odds and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning are flirting with history trying to become the first team to threepeat since the New York Islanders won from 1980-84. Colorado, the heavy favorite, has an infusion of young talent that appears ready to hoist the Cup and start a dynasty of its own.

Stanley Cup Final prop bets for Game 1

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 12:13 p.m. ET.

Starting off Game 1 HOT: Nathan MacKinnon & Steven Stamkos to both score BOOSTED (+500)

Stamkos scored 5 goals in the Eastern Conference Finals and netted a goal in 4 of 6 games. The Lightning scored 31 goals in the series, and Stamkos accounted for 31% of them. He also scored 1 goal in 2 games against Colorado in the regular season. There’s a lot to like on his side of this wager. MacKinnon had a tough series against the St. Louis Blues as he scored in 1 of 6 games, but he scored in 7 of the 8 games in the other two series. He had 1 goal and 2 assists against Tampa in the 3rd game of the regular season. This is a solid bet where $10 can return $50.

Conn Smyth Trophy Winner – Nathan MacKinnon (+210)

Avs D Cale Makar (+180) is the favorite, and he has 4 more points than MacKinnon in the playoffs. However, MacKinnon has had more impactful moments. That goal he scored, coast to coast, to tie the game against the St. Louis Blues in Game 5 would have been iconic if they hadn’t lost that game. MacKinnon has the ability to put the team on his back, whereas Makar is a super-gifted player that just pitches in more often than most. If the Avs win, it’s because of the playmaking and game-breaking ability of MacKinnon.

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Colorado Wins Series 4-2 (+425)

Barring injury, Tampa doesn’t have enough offensively to beat the Avs, and they’ll expend so much energy defensively trying to contain them it will prove too much. That said, Tampa has lost only once on home ice in the playoffs. They will lose another, maybe in Game 6 to decide it. If you want to hedge and put a wager on Colorado Wins Series 4-1 (+380) for some leeway, you’ll still be ahead if either of them cash.

Avalanche (in regulation) & Over 5.5 (+230)

Our Kevin Erickson pegged this a 4-3 Avs win, and that seems pretty reasonable. Colorado is the highest-scoring offense in the playoffs at nearly 5 goals per game, but it has had a lengthy layoff as well and will face its biggest task in Lightning G Andrei Vasilevskiy. We should see 6 goals and an Avs win in Game 1.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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7 important players to watch during the 2022 Stanley Cup Final

The stars will be out in full force in the Stanley Cup Final.

The stars will surely be out for the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.

Between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche, there is talent galore in this NHL playoff finale with history on the line. The Lightning have won back-to-back Stanley Cups with a third in a row looming large if they can win four more games.

Standing in their way, however, are the Avalanche, who have been denied time and time again to get to the later rounds of the playoffs but finally succeeded this year. These two teams were two of the best in the NHL all season long, and this Stanley Cup Final promises to be an explosion of talent not seen in some time.

And yet, which players should you be paying the most attention to? Here are the seven most important players you need to watch during the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made a mind-blowing save for the Lightning with just the handle of his stick

Vasilevskiy with a save of the year candidate!

This save from Andrei Vasilevskiy is surely going to give Kirby Dach nightmares.

During the first period of Sunday’s game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks, Vasilevskiy pulled out all the stops to keep Dach from scoring on a gaping wide open net. With the Lightning defense collapsed, the Blackhawks took advantage of a rare miscue from the usually stout Tampa Bay blueline. Brandon Hagel fed a great pass between the sliding Lightning defenders right to Dach, who had so much wide open space in front of him as he one-touched the puck to the net.

However, Vasilevskiy slid over just in time to knock the puck away with the handle of his stick, fully stretching out into the splits to bat it out of harm’s way with about an inch of wood. Seriously, this is a save of the year candidate if we’ve ever seen one.

Talk about a brilliant move from Vasilevskiy to keep Dach from the back of the net. Vasilevskiy’s one of the best netminders in the NHL and he showed us why with this ridiculous save.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Tampa Bay Lightning (43-20-5) tangle with the Detroit Red Wings (16-48-5) Sunday at Little Caesars Arena at 5 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Curtis McElhinney vs. Jonathan Bernier

McElhinney is expected to get the starting nod after the Lightning just played in Boston Saturday night with Andrei Vasilevskiy getting the call in that one. The Lightning backup has posted an 8-7-2 record, 2.83 goals against average and .908 save percentage with a shutout, so he is more than capable, especially against the lowly Wings.

Bernier gives the Wings their best chance to win, as he is 14-21-3 with a respectable 2.88 GAA and .909 SV% in his 39 starts and 44 appearances. At home he is a solid 10-10-1 with a 2.75 GAA and .906 SV% in his 21 starts and 24 appearances. It’s unlikely the team turns to Jimmy Howard for this tough matchup. He is a dismal 2-23-2 with a 4.20 GAA and .882 save percentage.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lightning at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Lightning (-278) should be able to dominate this game, but they are playing less than 24 hours after a hard-fought and important game in Boston, and then they had to hop right on a plane for Hockeytown. Still, the Red Wings (+225) have next to no chance. But still, AVOID.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning -278 returns a profit of $3.60 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Red Wings +225 results in a profit of $22.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, even) is the much better play, with or without tired legs. They have so many offensive weapons that it’s hard to envision the cellar-dwelling Red Wings (+1.5, -121) slowing them down. Tampa Bay is 41-11 in the past 52 games against teams with a losing record, too, so they rarely let up or play down to their competition.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is the play here, but because it’s Lightning against Red Wings. If Tampa were playing virtually anyone else, the lean would be Under. The Under is 7-1 in their past eight in the second end of a back-to-back. But the Over is also 7-2 in their past nine as a favorite.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (29-15-4) and Dallas Stars (27-17-4) will lock horns at American Airlines Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Ben Bishop

The All-Star Vasilevskiy entered the All-Star break on a roll, winning his previous 10 starts. Overall, he is 24-9-2 with a 2.54 goals against average and .917 save percentage, as he has regained his Vezina Trophy winning form after a sluggish start to the season. He allowed four goals on just 20 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss in the first meeting with the Stars at Amalie Arena back on Dec. 19. After working in the All-Star Skills Competition and round-robin tournament, it wouldn’t be shocking to see backup Curtis McElhinney make the start. He is 5-6-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .902 SV% in 13 appearances.

Bishop is 16-10-3 with a 2.28 GAA and .927 SV% in 31 starts and 32 appearances overall. The former Lightning backstop hasn’t faced his old organization this season. He is 0-1-1 with a 5.39 GAA and .792 SV% in two appearances vs. the Stars since leaving for Dallas to start the 2017-18 season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lightning at Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-139) are moderate road favorites out of the break, with the Stars (+115) short ‘dogs at home. That’s likely because the Lightning have been on a roll lately, going 5-0 in the past five against winning teams, 4-1 in the past five against Western Conference foes and 5-1 in the past six meetings against Dallas. The Lightning are also 5-2 in their past seven trips to the Metroplex.

A $10 bet on the Lightning to win returns a profit of $7.20, while a $10 wager on the Stars results in a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +195) represent a pretty solid value, as you can double up with a two-goal win. However, keep in mind that the Stars (+1.5, -239) are the No. 1 defensive team in the NHL, allowing just 2.5 goals per game. They’re also ninth on the penalty kill at 82.4 percent, so tread lightly.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (5.5) is risky business, as there is some uncertainty with Tampa Bay’s starting netminder, so be careful. If McElhinney gets the nod, it’s a different ball game. If Vasilevskiy is in between the pipes, this will be a low-scoring battle. The Under is 4-1 in Tampa’s past five road games, and 8-3 in the past 11 as a road favorite. The Under is 33-14-2 in the past 51 at home for Dallas, and a perfect 4-0 in their past four against teams with a winning percentage over .600.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (20-13-4) and Buffalo Sabres (17-16-7) battle at KeyBank Center at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Lightning-Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Lightning at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Linus Ullmark

Vasilevskiy, the defending Vezina Trophy winner, puts his 16-9-2 record, 2.85 goals against average and .908 save percentage on the line against the Sabres. He won his first meeting with Buffalo in Stockholm Nov. 8, stopping 20 of 22 shots in a win. Vasilevskiy also topped the Sabres at home Nov. 25, making 28 saves on 30 shots.

Ullmark is on a personal three-game losing streak which has dropped his season record to 11-10-3. He has a 2.80 GAA and .913 SV%.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lightning at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 5, Sabres 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-176) are heavy favorites to finish the four-game season sweep against the Sabres (+145). This is almost about as sure of a thing as it gets, yet the price isn’t terrible.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

LIGHTNING (-1.5, +155) are a tremendous value, as four of the Sabres’ (+1.5, -189) last five losses were decided by at least 2 goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is a nice value here, and the Lightning have the potential to take care of the Over almost all by themselves.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tamp Bay Lightning (17-12-4) visit the Washington Capitals (25-6-5) Saturday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Lightning-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Lightning lost at home to the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime Thursday after blowing a two-goal, early second-period lead.

The Capitals, led by Nicklas Backstrom’s two goals and two assists, won at the New Jersey Devils 6-3 Friday.

Lightning at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Braden Holtby

Vasilevskiy is 14-9-2 with a 2.88 goals against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage. The 2019 Vezina Trophy winner is 0-1-1 against the Capitals this season, allowing 8 goals – 4 in each game – on a total of 68 shots. He is 5-2-1 in December and 6-4-1 on the road.

Holtby is 16-4-4 with a 2.82 GAA and a .909 SV%. The 2016 Vezina winner beat the Lightning 4-3 in OT at home Nov. 29, stopping 27 of 30 shots. He is 3-2 in December and 7-1-3 at home.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Lighting at Capitals: Key injuries

Lightning

  • D Braydon Coburn (lower body) out

Lightning at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Lightning 4

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS -115 are the STRONGEST PLAY as they’re looking to complete a three-game season sweep of the Lightning (-106). The Capitals, who own the best record in the NHL, are 9-2 in their last 11 games and are 9-3-4 at home. The Lightning, 5-13 in their last 18 at the Capitals, are 5-5 in their last 10 overall and 8-5-2 on the road. Washington would be a bigger favorite had it not played Friday night in New Jersey.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on a Washington win would profit a $1 if it prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

PASS. While the Caps (-1.5, +225) have been dominant, they’re only 20-16 against the PL and an awful 5-11 vs. the PL at home. The Bolts (+1.5, -286) are 12-21 overall vs. the PL and 6-9 vs. the PL on the road. Such trends make this easy to avoid.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 6.5 (+115). Washington leads the league with 3.56 goals per game, while Tampa Bay is third at 3.52. Both head-to-head battles this season finished Over with the Caps claiming the 4-3 OT game in November and the 5-2 victory a week ago. Plus, the Capitals are 23-13 O/U overall and 12-4 O/U at home, while the Lightning are 20-12 O/U overall, but just 7-8 O/U on the road.

Every $1 bet on the Over profits $1.15 if there are 7 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 12-3-1. Strongest plays: 6-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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