Tag: NHL betting odds lines against the spread over-under picks

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars Stanley Cup Final odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Friday’s Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars Stanley Cup Final Game 4 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars meet in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final at 8 p.m. ET Friday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Lightning Game 4 betting odds and lines, with NHL picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Lightning lead series 2-1

Lightning vs. Stars: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Anton Khudobin

Vasilevskiy hasn’t been tested much in the Final, but he passed when he was forced into action. He allowed two goals on 24 shots in the 5-2 victory in the pivotal Game 3. Vasilevskiy was staked to a 2-0 lead, and the Lightning ended up going wire-to-wire. He and his teammates are now two games away from hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup, but there is still plenty of work to be done. In this Final so far, he is 2-1 with a 2.37 goals against average and .903 save percentage through three games. Vasilevskiy has yet to show his best in this series, and that’s scary for the Stars.

Khudobin finally had a poor outing in Game 3, and it came at the worst possible time for the Stars. It’s ride of die with Dobby now as G Ben Bishop remains unfit to play and G Jake Oettinger is the backup. The latter made an appearance Wednesday, stopping all three of the shots he faced in the third period, spelling Khudobin. The starter coughed up five goals on 29 shots, and all of the big guns scored for the Lightning, including C Steven Stamkos, who made his playoff debut, albeit briefly. Dallas certainly didn’t need that.

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Lightning vs. Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Stars 2

Money line (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-176) really took the wind out of the sails of the Stars (+150) early in Game 3, and they might be able to deliver the death blow in Game 4. Yes, the series will still not be over, but a couple of quick goals, and it could spiral out of control again for Dallas.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning returns a profit of $5.68, while a $10 bet on the Stars would fetch a profit of $15.

Puck Line/Against the spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +165) are a good bet here. If they score the first goal in this one, this is almost a guaranteed bet as it’s hard to see the Stars (+1.5, -200) coming back from a deficit. Dallas didn’t play terribly in Game 3, but once Tampa Bay scored a power-play goal early in the second, it was on.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5 (-139) is the play in this one as Tampa Bay broke through for five goals in Game 3 to hit the number itself. The total had pushed in the first two in this series. Look for another Over, as the Lightning offense has finally found itself in this series, and Khudobin looks to be shaken.

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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 vs. Dallas Stars Stanley Cup Final odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Wednesday’s Dallas Stars vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 3 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars tangle in a pivotal Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Lightning Game 3 betting odds and lines, with NHL picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Series tied 1-1

Lightning vs. Stars: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Anton Khudobin

Vasilevskiy bounced back after a series-opening loss, stopping 27 of the 29 shots he faced to pick up the win in Game 2 and help even the series 1-1. However, it wasn’t entirely clean. He was staked to a 3-0 lead courtesy of a four-minute, three-goal flurry in the middle of the first period, including two power-play goals. The Stars slowly chipped away at Vasilevskiy, and it was a one-goal game for a majority of the third period, but the Vezina Trophy runner-up buttoned it up and got it done. He lost the award to Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, and perhaps he uses that slight to his benefit in Game 3.

Khudobin slipped into an early 3-0 hole, although the first two goals by Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat were on the man advantage, and not Dobby’s fault. He hung in there after the first-period onslaught and stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced, giving his team a chance down the stretch. Unfortunately they came up one goal short.

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Lightning vs. Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Stars 1

Money line (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-162) are moderate favorites for Game 3, and they’re a good play. Vasilevskiy hasn’t played at his best in either of the first two games in this series, and he might use the perceived slight of losing the Vezina Trophy to his benefit, not that he needs extra fuel for his fire.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning returns a profit of $6.17, while a $10 bet on the Stars would fetch a profit of $13.50.

Puck Line/Against the spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +180) are worth a small-unit play, as you can nearly double up as they are able to win by two or more goals. Again, Vasilevskiy hasn’t been at his best, and he is due to stand on his head and completely box the Stars out.

Over/Under (O/U)

O/U 5 (Over -139, Under +115) is the line, but I am thinking the total will be right on the double. Each of the first two games in this series have been a push on the flat five. How about three in a row? AVOID.

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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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Dallas Stars vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Monday’s Dallas Stars vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 2 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning square off in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at 8 p.m. ET Monday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Lightning Game 1 betting odds and lines, with NHL picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Stars lead 1-0.

Stars vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

The amazing story of Khudobin continues, as he stopped 35 of the 36 Tampa Bay shots in Game 1, helping underdog Dallas to a 4-1 victory. He and the Stars are just three wins away from a Stanley Cup championship, but that’s still an eternity. If the Stars are able to secure the title, however, Khudobin has to be considered one of the frontrunners for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoff’s most valuable player.

Vasilevskiy coughed up three goals on just 19 shots in Game 1, including D Joel Hanley’s first career playoff goal to open the scoring. How many people would have predicted that? All three goals the Vezina Trophy finalist allowed was of the even-strength variety, and he just didn’t play all that well. There is still plenty of time to get back on track. In the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Islanders, he was 4-2 with a 1.63 goals against average and .933 save percentage during the six-game series, so let’s just chalk Game 1 up as an anomaly.

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Stars vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 3, Stars 1

Money line (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-154) will bounce back in Game 2 after a surprising setback in the Cup Final opener. Vasilevskiy hasn’t lost back-to-back assignments since the restart. It’s a bit worrisome that the Stars (+130) have won both regular-season meetings and Game 1, but take the higher-octane offense, and that is the Lightning.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning returns a profit of $6.49, while a $10 bet on the Stars would fetch a profit of $13.

Puck Line/Against the spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +180) didn’t show much in the way of offense, as Khudobin just isn’t allowing anything. But Dobby is due for a poor game, and the Lightning are just too tough to pass up at this price. You can nearly double up and build your bankroll for the rest of the series.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5 (+115) is risky business, as playing the Under on a “flat 5” is normally not recommended. But the way both of these goalies are playing, it’s a sound play. Vasilevskiy had arguably his worst game since the restart and the game was still a push.

For an added value, play the special NHL parlay of LIGHTNING TO WIN and UNDER 6.5 GOALS (+125).

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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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Dallas Stars vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Saturday’s Dallas Stars vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 1 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning open the Stanley Cup Final with Game 1 of their best-of-seven series Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Lightning Game 1 betting odds and lines, with NHL picks and best bets.

Stars vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Khudobin has emerged as the unlikely hero for the Stars, carrying the team on his back with red-hot goaltending against the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. He stopped 34 of the 36 shots he faced in a Game 5 overtime win. He finished the series with a 1.69 goals against average and .950 save percentage with one shutout. If he keeps up this pace he might nail down the Conn Smythe Trophy, the award given to the most valuable player in the playoffs.

Vasilevskiy, one of the three Vezina Trophy finalists, could also add some hardware with a Conn Smythe. He is the frontrunner if the Lightning remain on course for the Cup. While he was tripped up twice against the Islanders, he has allowed three or fewer goals in 17 of his 19 starts in the crease since the restart. He went 4-2 with a 1.63 GAA and .933 SV% in the six-game Eastern Conference Final.

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Stars vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Lightning 2 (OT)

Money line (ML)

The STARS (+135) are an attractive play in Game 1 over the moderately-favored Lightning (-162). While Tampa Bay is getting all of the attention because of its high-flying offense and hot goaltender, Dallas plays a tremendous brand of defense with a hard-hitting style and nothing comes easy for the opposition.

While many are anointing the Lightning as the shoo-in for the Cup, remember that Dallas won both of the regular-season meetings. Both of those wins came in overtime, so perhaps these teams are more evenly matched than people think.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Stars returns a profit of $13.50, while a $10 bet on the Lightning would fetch a profit of $6.20.

Puck Line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Stars (+1.5, -200) are too expensive, even if you’re looking for a little insurance. Just roll with Dallas straight up and don’t risk two times your potential return. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

O/U 5 (Over: -143, Under: +120) is what’s on the board. If I had any lean, it would be to the Under, as that’s how good each of these netminders have been playing.

The best play is to AVOID completely, let’s see how Game 1 plays out, and revisit the total in later games in this series.

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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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New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Tuesday’s New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 5 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning meet in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Below, we analyze the Islanders-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Islanders vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Varlamov did a decent enough job in Game 4, allowing three goals on 35 shots, but it wasn’t good enough. To beat the red-hot Lightning, and keep hope alive for moving on to face the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Final, he needs to be almost perfect. So far he is just 1-3 with a 3.45 goals-against average and .890 save percentage in this series, and that’s just not going to do. It wouldn’t be surprising to see head coach Barry Trotz go to backup Thomas Greiss early if things go off the rails.

Vasilevskiy allowed just one goal on 27 shots in Game 4, pushing the Isles to the brink. The Vezina Trophy finalist is 3-1 with a 2.01 GAA and .930 SV% in this series, and he still hasn’t really played his absolute best. That’s a scary thought, as he needs just five more victories to etch his name on Lord Stanley’s grail.

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Islanders vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 3, Islanders 1

Money line (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-176) are heavy favorites to push aside the Islanders (+150) and snag the second and last golden ticket to the Stanley Cup Final, where they’ll face the Stars. Tampa Bay has outscored New York 17-9, and there is very little reason to believe the onslaught will not continue.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning returns a profit of $5.68, while a winning $10 play on the Islanders fetches a return of $15.

Puck line/Against the spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +165) are obviously not going to have it easy in an elimination game, as the Islanders (+1.5, -200) are going to give it their best shot. Tampa Bay has just been the better team in this series, and it’s not even close.

It might be a one-goal game into the final moments, with a mad flurry at the end, but an empty-net goal will make bettors who take the puck line smile from ear to ear.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-143) is a solid play, as Vasilevskiy has been great outside of Game 3. The Isles were tattooed in Game 1, but they have allowed just 3.0 goals per game in the previous three. Look for a lower scoring game as the intensity is ratcheted up.

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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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Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Monday’s Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars Game 5 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights meet in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Below, we analyze the Stars-Golden Knights NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Stars vs. Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Robin Lehner

Khudobin has been rock steady for the Stars in this series. He allowed just one goal with 33 saves to steal Game 4 as Dallas won it 2-1. So far the Stars and Golden Knights have each scored just six goals apiece, but Dallas has pushed VGK to the brink of elimination with a 3-1 series lead. He was dinged for 18 goals in the final five games against the Avalanche, but he is 3-1 with a 1.64 goals-against average and .952 save percentage against the top-seeded Knights.

Lehner was on the short end of Game 4, allowing two goals on 20 shots to take a hard-luck loss. He is 1-2 with a solid .925 SV% and nearly identical GAA at 1.67. There is no real reason for head coach Peter DeBoer to shake things up in the crease and turn back to Marc-Andre Fleury, although it wouldn’t be a total shock if that happened. Fleury was on the short end of a 1-0 score in Game 1, and he has a 3-1 record, 2.26 GAA and .910 SV% in four appearances since the restart.

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Stars vs. Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 2, Stars 1 (OT)

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-176) have been heavy favorites throughout the series. If you’ve been thumping the Stars (+150) in each game of this series you’ve likely built a tidy little sum. VGK is favored yet again in Game 5, and the No. 1 seed will be able to push past Dallas to keep their series alive.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights returns a profit of $5.68, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $15.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS. I believe the Golden Knights (-1.5, +155) are going to win this one, but I have a sneaky suspicion that they’re not going to be able to get it done in regulation. We’ll likely need overtime to determine a winner, therefore backing the favorite on the puck line makes no sense.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5 (+110) is the way to go in Game 5, as the under has connected in each of the first four in this series, and seven in a row for VGK. Vegas has faced stout goaltending lately, and they’re averaging just 1.7 goals per game during the seven-game under run. The under is 5-1 in the past six for the Stars, too.

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

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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 vs. New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Sunday’s Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders Game 4 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders continue their Eastern Conference Final with Game 4 of their best-of-seven series Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Lightning-Islanders NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Lightning lead 2-1.

Lightning vs. Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Semyon Varlamov

Vasilevskiy finally showed some chinks in the armor, allowing four goals on 35 shots in a Game 3 loss, easily his worst showing of the postseason. All four of the goals were of the even-strength variety, too, before the Isles tacked on an even-strength goal for good measure. Brock Nelson beat him with 3:25 to go in regulation for the tiebreaking goal, so that’s one that he’ll have to forget quickly. Heading into Game 4, you needn’t worry about Vasilevskiy’s head being right. He lets bad losses quickly roll off of his back. He hasn’t had back-to-back losses since the restart, and none since his worst stretch of the season in late February when he dropped a season-high three in a row.

Varlamov was outstanding in Game 2, and adequate in a higher-scoring Game 3. He allowed three goals on 37 shots, including one on the power play which wasn’t his fault. After a little back and forth on who should be the starter, it appears Varlamov has once again seized the starting job for the long run.

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Lightning vs. Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Lightning 3

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+130) are just a better value here. The Lightning (-154) won 8-2 in the first game, and 2-1 in the second game with a heartbreaking winner with 8.8 seconds to go. Instead of going into the fetal position, the Isles showed a ton of character to bounce back and pull off the victory, which helped them avoid the broom and make this a series instead. It’s a testament to their heart, and a testament to the coaching of Barry Trotz. He’ll have them ready here.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Islanders returns a profit of $13, while a $15.40 bet on the Lightning would fetch a profit of $10 if they prevail.

Puck line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Islanders (+1.5, -209) are just too expensive if you’re looking for a little insurance, as risking more than two times your potential return is bad betting. Conversely, the Lightning (-1.5, +170) are a tempting play if you like Tampa, but it has covered the puck line just once in the first three games in this series. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+115) is the way to go. The Under cashed in two of the first three games in this series, with a defensive slog in Game 2 as the outlier. Vasilevskiy looked mortal in Game 3, and the Isles will try to go back to what worked against him in that one. Varlamov will also never be confused with Billy Smith or Chico Resch. He’ll cough up his fair share of goals, too. The Over is a good play in Game 4.

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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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Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Tuesday’s Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights continue their best-of-seven Western Conference Finals series for Game 2 on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Below, we analyze the Stars-Golden Knights NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Stars vs. Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Robin Lehner

Khudobin had some lapses in the seven-game series win against the Colorado Avalanche, but he was on point in Game 1. He stopped all 25 shots he faced in the series opener for his first shutout in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The 1-0 score was also the lowest-scoring game of the entire postseason. Khudobin has thrived with Ben Bishop unfit to play, and even if the latter is deemed healthy enough to return at some point, Khudobin has to be considered the top dog.

Marc-Andre Fleury made the start in Game 1, and he was the hard-luck loser. He allowed just one goal on 25 shots in just his fourth appearance since the restart. It was a curious move by head coach Peter DeBoer, but one that nearly paid off. Robin Lehner posted the shutout in Game 7, and three shutouts in the four wins against the Vancouver Canucks.

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Stars vs. Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 7:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-162) were dropped by a 1-0 score in the opener, but they won’t go down 2-0 in the series to the Stars (+135). Vegas is the No. 1 seed for a reason, and it’s because they’re a balanced team with a deep offense, solid defense and good goaltending. Vegas bounces back in Game 2.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights returns a profit of $6.17, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $13.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID. I think the Golden Knights (-1.5, +170) get it done in Game 2, and they’re tempting at this price point, but this will be a tight game with plenty of hits, defense and perhaps even overtime. I’ll PASS on the puck line.

Over/Under (O/U)

If you bet the under in Game 1, congrats. It’s nice to put your feet up, relax and coast to a winning ticket. It won’t be as easy in Game 2, but UNDER 5.5 (-110) is the play again. Khudobin has been playing lights out, and whether Fleury or Lehner make the start, the Stars offense will find very little room to operate against the suffocating VGK defense.

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

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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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New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Monday’s New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 1 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning open the Eastern Conference Finals with Game 1 of their best-of-seven series Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Islanders-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Islanders vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Thomas Greiss vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

It’s impossible to envision a scenario where head coach Barry Trotz goes back to Semyon Varlamov for Game 1. He rolled the dice on Greiss in the decisive Game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers and the German-born backstop turned aside all 16 shots he faced in the 4-0 series clinching win. He won two games in the Philly series, going 2-0 with a 1.08 goals-against average and .960 in the series.

Vasilevskiy helped the Lightning to four consecutive victories against the Boston Bruins after they dropped Game 1 by a 3-2 count. The Vezina Trophy finalist went 4-1 with a 1.77 GAA and .936 SV%. A hot goaltender is what it takes to get deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs, so here the Lightning are. The last time he saw the Islanders was back on Feb. 8 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, stopping 17 of 18 shots in a 3-1 win. He and the Lightning were crushed 5-2 on the Island, as he allowed four goals on 25 shots back on Nov. 1, although that feels like years ago at this point.

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Islanders vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-154) are expected to vanquish the Islanders (+130) in this series. They’re moderate favorites and not too chalky in the series opener. New York showed grit and determination, ousting the No. 1 seed in the East against Philadelphia. However, the Lightning present new challenges, especially in the opposing goal. Vasilevskiy is a beast, and he is the difference here, as the Isles turn to a guy who will be making just his fourth appearance since the restart.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning returns a profit of $6.49, while a $10 bet on the Islanders would fetch a profit of $13.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lightning (-1.5, +190) are a tempting play, as you can nearly double up if they win by two or more goals. However, I like to be a bit frugal early on in a series, especially in the opening game, getting a little bit of a sample size first before I delve into more bets. I’d go lightly on the Lightning on the moneyline, but skip the puck line play for now. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

O/U 5 (over -115, under -106) is what’s on the board, but I don’t like playing the under on a flat five line. In addition, I am looking for exactly five goals in the series opener. I expect the scoring to be at a premium in Game 1, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see a 2-2 game going into overtime before a winner is decided. As such, AVOID playing the total, too. However, if I had a lean, it would be under.

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

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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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Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Sunday’s Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights hook up for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Below, we analyze the Stars-Golden Knights NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Stars vs. Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Robin Lehner

Khudobin had a few rough patches in Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche in Round 2, but he turned aside 40 of the 44 shots he faced in the overtime victory to help his team advance. He has done most of the heavy lifting in the postseason with regular starter Ben Bishop deemed unfit to play for most of the games since the restart. Khudobin posted a subpar .899 save percentage in the series against Colorado, but it was good enough.

There were some murmurs Lehner might be replaced by Marc-Andre Fleury, especially with a back-to-back situation in Game 7 and Lehner entering with consecutive losses. He acquitted himself well, making head coach Peter DeBoer look smart. Lehner turned back all 14 shots he faced against Vancouver in Game 7, posting his third shutout of the series. Any worries Lehner might be headed to the bench with a baseball cap in favor of the future Hall of Famer can now be put to rest.

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NHL bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Stars vs. Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-167) have a hot tendy in Lehner, as he posted three shutouts in the four victories against the Canucks in Round 2.

The Stars (+140) proved they have plenty of offense, but remember, they faced the third-string goaltender of the Avalanche for the final three games of their series, winning just once, and barely scraping by in the series.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights returns a profit of $6, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $14.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS. I think the Golden Knights (-1.5, +155) will be able to win by two goals, so it’s worth maybe a light play, but if they get the cover here, it will likely be due to an empty-net goal late in the game. If you like to sweat it out in the waning moments, be my guest.

Me, I’ll PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The projected Over/Under of 6 is exactly where I feel this game will land. The Stars showed they have plenty of offensive firepower, and the Golden Knights are very deep, running four quality lines of offense. You could buy a half-goal one way or the other, but why risk it?

Be patient and save up for a more sure thing later in the series when the defense tightens up significantly. AVOID.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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