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

Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Friday’s Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 7 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche battle in a decisive Game 7 to wrap up their exciting Western Conference Semifinals series Friday at 4 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Below, we analyze the Stars-Avalanche NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Stars vs. Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Michael Hutchinson

Khudobin has been confirmed for Game 7, not that there was much doubt after Ben Bishop laid an egg in Game 5, looking lost. Bishop has once again been deemed unfit for the series finale. However, Khudobin didn’t light the world afire last time out, allowing three goals on 23 shots, but he is the best, and healthiest, tendy in green and black right now. He is 3-3 with a 3.38 goals against average and .897 save percentage in this series.

Hutchinson entered the bubble as the third goaltender for the Avs behind Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz. However, injuries to the two gave Hutchinson his opportunity, and he has answered the bell. Hutchinson has picked up wins in a pair of elimination games, helping the Avalanche rebound from a 3-1 series hole to force a Game 7. Win or lose, Hutchinson has earned a ton of respect in that locker room, and if he does help the team win and advance, he’ll be a sports hero in Denver forever.

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Stars vs. Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:28 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-139) are the winning play for Game 7. There isn’t a lot to glean from historical results. After grabbing a 3-1 series lead, the Stars (+120) have dropped Games 5 and 6. Teams that have blown 3-1 series leads are 28-29 in Game 7, so it’s essentially a coin flip. But Colorado has the more high-octane offense, and it will find a way to create offense late in the game to earn a spot in the Western Conference Final.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Avalanche returns a profit of $7.19, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS. Betting a puck line in any Game 7 is a bad idea. Very rarely is the margin wide in a Game 7. This is the first Game 7 of these Stanley Cup Playoffs. Last season the puck line cashed in just two of six Game 7’s. Of course, five of the previous six winners in this series have also hit the puck line. Still, it’s best to AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 6 (-115) is worth the play despite it going against the grain a little bit. The Over has connected in five of the six games in this series with an average of 8.0 goals per game. However, as the intensity ratcheted up in Game 6, we saw a total of just five goals for the first Under result of the series. Expect the intensity to be even higher in this decisive game, with a lack of scoring for most of the battle.

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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Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks Game 6 matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks battle in Game 6 of their Western Conference Second-Round best-of-seven series Thursday at 9:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton (on NBCSN). We analyze the Golden Knights-Canucks NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Golden Knights vs. Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Thatcher Demko

Fleury might get the nod with the Golden Knights ahead 3-2, and a back-to-back situation in the event there is a Game 7 Friday night. That would allow them to save Robin Lehner, who has done most of the heavy lifting in the playoffs, for a potentially decisive game. If Fleury were to win Game 6, great.

Demko made his first postseason start in Game 5 and he turned aside 42 of the 43 shots he faced for the victory. He was thrust into action with Jacob Markstrom deemed unfit to play, and head coach Travis Green played coy Wednesday when asked if Markstrom would be ready. Again, there is a back-to-back situation if the Canucks win, so maybe they roll with Demko in Game 6, and try and rest up Markstrom for Game 7, going with the one who got them there.

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

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Golden Knights (-239) are still very heavily favored despite the fact they slipped up by a 2-1 count in Game 5 against the upstart Canucks (+200). Vancouver is very tempting at this price level, as you can potentially double up.

While Demko was impressive while under tremendous pressure from the Knights last time out, it’s hard to believe he can do it again. The lean is to the Golden Knights here, and they’re just too expensive. AVOID.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights fetches a profit of just $4.20, while a $10 bet on the Canucks returns a profit of $20 if they spring another upset.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Golden Knights -1.5 (+115) looked like the play in Game 5, but the CANUCKS (+1.5, -139) had other ideas and weren’t ready to leave the bubble just yet. Vancouver is worth a look in this one.

Generally, I avoid underdog puck line plays, but the last outing was a one-goal game, and this one should be equally tight, perhaps even extending into overtime. As such, it’s a good idea to back the dogs.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6 (-106) is worth playing very, very lightly. We saw the defense and goaltending tighten up significantly, with a total of just three goals in Game 5. That was a far cry from the first four games which saw an average of 5.8 goals per contest.

Still, the Under is 3-2 so far in this series, and you can expect a strong backcheck, plenty of hits and scoring to be at a premium.

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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Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Tuesday’s Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 5 matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights face each other in Game 5 of their Western Conference Second-Round best-of-seven series Tuesday at 9:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton (on NBCSN). We analyze the Canucks-Golden Knights NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Canucks vs. Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jacob Markstrom vs. Robin Lehner

Markstrom wasn’t as sharp as he has been in this postseason, and he picked a terrible time for his worst game since the restart. He allowed five goals on 33 shots in the 5-3 loss in Game 4, as the Golden Knights pushed the upstart Canucks to the brink of elimination. Markstrom also allowed five goals in Game 1, but the Game 4 result was more his fault. And he had offensive support, unlike the series opener when the offense was squelched.

Marc-Andre Fleury made his triumphant return to the crease, and like DJ Khaled, all he does is win. Fleury allowed three goals on 31 shots in the 5-3 victory, and it was his third win in as many starts since the restart, yet head coach Peter DeBoer had been leaning upon Lehner way more. To be fair, Lehner had been standing on his head, posting two shutouts in three starts in this series. He needed a breather, and Fleury was there to provide a break.

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Canucks 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 8 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Golden Knights (-223) are heavy favorites, and if anything, playing the underdog Canucks (+185) would be the way to go on the moneyline. You can nearly double up if they pull the upset and force a Game 6.

AVOID. If you really like Vegas, play the Golden Knights (-143) on the 3-way line, but know they must win in regulation for this ticket to cash. A win in overtime is still a losing bet.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights fetches a profit of just $4.50, while a $10 bet on the Canucks returns a profit of $18.50 if they pull the upset.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS -1.5 (+115) is a tempting play. I mean, all four victories in this series so far have been by two or more goals, so if you like VGK, you have to like the puck line, too, right?

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U of 6 (Over: -115, Under: -106) is a tough play. I think the total is going to be right on the number, actually, and it’s not worth it to buy a half-goal or full goal one way or the other. Yes, the winning team has scored five goals in three of the four games, but the Over/Under has split 2-2 in the first four. Save your money for a surer thing. AVOID.

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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Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Monday’s Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 5 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning square off in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Second-Round series Monday at 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Bruins-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Lightning lead 3-1.

Bruins vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Jaroslav Halak vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Halak was a little better in Game 4, but he allowed three goals on 26 shots in another loss as the Lightning pushed the Bruins to the brink of elimination. He slipped to 1-3 with a 3.66 goals against average and .891 save percentage through four games, as he has mostly struggled to shoulder the full load with Tuukka Rask back in Finland due to personal reasons. Halak has shown the ability to get hot over an extended period, rattling off five straight wins from Jan. 21 to Feb. 21. In other words, this series isn’t quite over yet, but Halak needs to get on the ball.

Vasilevskiy allowed just one goal on 30 shots to cruise to another win. He is now 3-1 with a 1.99 GAA and .927 SV% through four games in this series, and he has won six of the past seven starts overall. He has allowed three or fewer goals in 11 of his 12 starts since the restart, so he is in a zone. That’s a good reason the Lightning are poised to move to the Eastern Conference Final. They need just one more win in the next three.

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Bruins 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 7:13 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Lightning 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (+100) are worth a roll of the dice at even money. Their backs are against the wall, and they’re unlikely to head home quite yet. The Lightning (-118) have played well, winning three straight games, but the B’s will force at least a Game 6. The B’s are 6-2 in their previous eight as an underdog in the playoffs, and they’re an impressive 12-5 in the past 17 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation, or four games in six days. The underdog is also 6-1 in the past seven meetings in this series.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Bruins is even money, returning a profit of $10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lightning (-1.5, +230) have covered the puck line in the past two. The Bruins (+1.5, -286) are going to scratch out a narrow win, perhaps even in overtime. However, AVOID a Bruins’ puck line bet, as it’s just too expensive.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is worth a small-unit wager in this one. The Under hit in Game 4, the first time since the series opener, and it will happen in this one. Look for both sides to be a little tentative early one, as the Bruins won’t want to make any costly mistakes to get in an early hole, and the Lightning won’t want to give Boston any freebies to get back into the 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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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins Game 4 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins play Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Second-Round series Saturday at noon ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Lightning-Bruins NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Lightning vs. Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Jaroslav Halak

Vasilevskiy coasted to a 7-1 victory in Game 3, allowing just one goal on 24 shots as his team stormed to a 2-1 series lead. He has been rock solid in goal, as you would expect, allowing three or fewer goals in each of the three games in this series, and three or fewer goals in 10 of his 11 appearances overall since the restart. A hot goalie is what it takes to go far in the postseason, and Vasilevskiy certainly fits that bill.

Halak was lit up for four goals on 16 shots and he was pulled midway through the second period. Head coach Bruce Cassidy turned to rookie Dan Vladar, who was making his NHL debut, and he allowed three goals on 15 shots in the 7-1 whitewashing. Despite the fact Halak was roughed up, there is virtually zero chance Vladar is thrust into a starting role, although the veteran Halak could be on a short leash again if he doesn’t get on the ball.

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Lightning vs. Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:29 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Bruins 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-112) are slight favorites for this important Game 4, and they could push the Bruins (-106) to the brink with another win. While Game 3 was a beatdown, it’s just one game, and the B’s are a veteran club. But their mess of a goaltender situation might be their undoing, and the Bolts’ tendy has easily been the difference so far.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning to win returns a profit of $8.93.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +230) are worth a roll of the dice at this price, as you can more than double your potential return. As shaky as Halak was last time out, this is a good value.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-110) is the way to go here. The Over has cashed in each of the past two games, and the Lightning pushed it Over the finish line themselves with a seven-spot in Game 3. We have seen an average of 6.7 goals per game so far in this series, so keep thumping the Over until further notice.

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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Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks Game 3 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets to exploit.

The Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights do battle in Game 3 of their Western Conference Second-Round series Thursday at 9:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Canucks-Golden Knights NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Golden Knights vs. Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Robin Lehner vs. Jacob Markstrom

Lehner coasted to a shutout win in Game 1, but he was shaky in Game 2. He just didn’t have it Tuesday with four goals allowed on 26 shots, and it wouldn’t be surprising in the least to see Marc-Andre Fleury get a start in Game 3.

Markstrom and the Canucks turned the tables in Game 2, posting a 5-2 victory. He stopped 38 of 40 shots in the bounce-back win and now has a .925 save percentage in the postseason.

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

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:35 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

Game 2 served as yet another cautionary tale. DO NOT bet games with moneylines lower than -170. The Golden Knights were favored at -209, and lost badly. You can win a handful of those games, but a couple of losses will eat into your bankroll and eventually you’ll end up behind despite a winning percentage is rather impressive.

In Game 3, the Golden Knights (-200) are once again a huge favorite. AVOID.

I have found the 3-way line is the way to go if you’re not comfortable playing the puck line, but the 2-way moneyline is too expensive. The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-115) are rather cheap on the 3-way line, but you must win in regulation. A VGK win in overtime is still a loss.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Canucks (+165) returns a net profit of $16.50, while a winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights would fetch a profit of just $5.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

GOLDEN KNIGHTS -1.5 (+140) isn’t a bad play here for a small-unit wager. They won and covered the puck line in Game 1, and each of the first two games in this series have been decided by three or more goals.

I expect this one to be close, but look for VGK to score late to push you across the finish line, perhaps with an empty-net goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 6 for this game, but you’ll want an alternate line. Take OVER 5.5 (-134), although you might be sweating it out late into the third period.

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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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Wednesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins Game 3 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Lightning square off in Game 3 with their Eastern Conference Second-Round series tied 1-1 heading into Wednesday. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Lightning-Bruins NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Lightning vs. Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Jaroslav Halak

Vasilevskiy stopped 22 of the 25 shots he faced in Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime victory, as W Ondrej Palat provided the heroics in the extra session. This will be an interesting Game 3 with a back-to-back situation. Vasilevskiy hasn’t started back-to-back days since Nov. 28-29, 2017 when he shut out the Buffalo Sabres, then lost to the Bruins in Boston the next night. In fact, he is 1-7 in his career in the second game when starting consecutive days.

Halak stopped 36 shots in Tuesday’s overtime loss, but he couldn’t stop Palat on the winner. This is where the B’s will miss Tuukka Rask the most, as they face two back-to-back situations in this series. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has used a two-goalie rotation for the better part of two seasons, but now he has no choice but to go right back to Halak in Game 3. Halak started consecutive games Jan. 13-14, but lost both ends. He is 4-2 on the second day of back-to-back starts.

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Lightning vs. Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Bruins 3, Lightning 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-110) and Lightning (-110) are once again in a pick ’em, just like Game 2. And like yesterday’s game, this one should be super close, and might even require another overtime session or two. Unlike Tuesday’s battle, the Bruins are the play here.

Halak has been a lot more successful in his career playing the second end of a back-to-back situation, while Vasilevskiy has won just once in eight tries in the second end when starting on consecutive days.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Bruins to win returns a profit of $9.10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Bruins (-1.5, +240) are very, very tempting at this price, but I can see this one going to overtime yet again. The teams are that close, and the books certainly agree, too. AVOID.

If you are feeling either team to win in regulation, they’re each a very attractive +150. They must win in regulation, though, or it’s a losing play.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-115) was the wrong side in Game 2, but it’s the right side here. It’s difficult playing a back-to-back situation, especially in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The players will have rubber legs, they’ll look like they’re skating in sand, and the advantage will be in favor of the goaltenders.

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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Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

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

The Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks square off in Game 2 of their Western Conference Second-Round series Tuesday at 9:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Canucks-Golden Knights NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Canucks vs. Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jacob Markstrom vs. Robin Lehner

Markstrom was dinged for five goals on 34 shots in the Game 1 loss. The defense wasn’t helping as much as it needed to, perhaps a little energy sapped after a tough series against the St. Louis Blues. Markstrom was pulled in the third period by head coach Travis Green, but more so just to give Thatcher Demko some playing time in the playoffs, and to give Markstrom a rest. Outside of this subpar showing, he has been rock solid.

Lehner wasn’t tested too much in the first two periods, and by the third period he was able to kick into cruise control like being out in the middle of the desert on US 95 with the top down. He turned aside all 26 shots he faced for his first career playoff shutout. Oddly enough, Lehner has three career wins against Vancouver, one each as a member of the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders and now VGK.

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Canucks 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 7:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

I went on a fishing expedition in Game 1, looking for the upset. I can’t trust the Canucks (+175) in this one; however, the Golden Knights (-209) are just too expensive for my taste. It’s a bit hacky to play moneylines less than -170 or so, and I am not about to start here.

AVOID.

If you want the bet Vegas straight-up, play the 3-way line. GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-134) has value, but they must win in regulation for the wager to cash.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Canucks returns a net profit of $17.50, while a winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights would fetch a profit of just $4.80.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

GOLDEN KNIGHTS -1.5 (+135) looks like an attractive bet the way they manhandled the Canucks (+1.5, -162) in the series opener.

Now, can we get odds on how many times Ryan Reaves and Antoine Roussel will chirp at each other and try to give each other face washes when involved in a fracas?

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-121) is worth a small-unit wager, as VGK isn’t going to grab the shutout again, but Markstrom isn’t going to get beat five times, either. This will be a bit closer, with the total inching over sometime in the third period.

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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Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Tuesday’s Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 2 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning continue their Eastern Conference Second-Round series Tuesday with Game 2. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Bruins-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Bruins vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Jaroslav Halak vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Halak stopped 35 of the 37 shots he faced in the Game 1 victory. He was staked to a 3-0 lead, but allowed two goals to Lightning D Victor Hedman in the final period to make things interesting in the final moments. The one knock on Halak is that he tends to lose focus, albeit briefly, and that can sometimes be costly. Overall the B’s don’t lose much with him between the pipes instead of Tuukka Rask, who returned to Finland for personal reasons.

Vasilevskiy turned aside 28 of the 31 shots he faced, with even-strength goals to C Charlie Coyle and LW Brad Marchand, as well as a power-play goal to RW David Pastrnak. The Vezina Trophy candidate dug himself into a 3-0 hole and it was just too much, although his rearguard buddy Hedman made it close. Look for a much better performance in Game 2.

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Bruins 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 7:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 2, Bruins 1 (OT)

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-110) and Bruins (-110) are essentially are in coin flip with the game priced as a pick ’em. We should get a low-scoring, high-hitting Game 2. Vasilevskiy will be much better, and I have a feel we’re going to see the first of multiple overtime games in this series. It’s that tight. Avoid the 3-way line, because even if the team you back wins, you lose if that wager doesn’t cash in regular time.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning to win returns a profit of $9.10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lightning (-1.5, +240) looks like a great play on the puck line, as you can more than double your investment and build your bankroll, but this is going to be an ultra-close game and I do not expect anyone to have a two-goal lead at any point in the contest. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-134) held on in Game 1, and this should be another low-scoring affair, too. The Under is 4-1 in the previous five meetings between these Atlantic Division rivals, too.

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Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Sunday’s Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets to exploit.

The Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks play Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinals series Sunday at 10:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Canucks-Golden Knights NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Canucks vs. Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jacob Markstrom vs. Robin Lehner

Markstrom saved his best for last against the defending champion St. Louis Blues, stopping 34 of the 36 shots to eliminate the champs in Game 6. He has won seven of his past nine starts, including the qualifying round, and he has lost just once in regulation during the span. The last time he faced the Golden Knights was back on Dec. 19 in Vancouver, stopping 39 of the 43 shots in a 5-4 overtime win. He and the Canucks were drummed in Vegas by a 6-3 count on Dec. 15, and he coughed up five goals on 39 shots.

Lehner went 3-1 with a 2.20 goals against average and .905 save percentage in four starts against his former employer, the Chicago Blackhawks, in Round 1. He wasn’t stellar during the series, and he was tested very little, but he made the saves he needed to make. Still, he’ll have to be a little better if he and the Golden Knights want to avoid the same fate as the Blues. Lehner was roughed up for six goals on 36 shots in a 7-5 loss at Vancouver back on Jan. 2 when he was a member of the Blackhawks, his only appearance against them in the regular season.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Canucks 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 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Canucks 4, Golden Knights 3

Moneyline (ML)

The CANUCKS (+160) upset the Blues in Round 1, but winning in six is pretty dominant and not just the result of a few lucky bounces. They outscored St. Louis 22-16, and scored at least four goals on four occasions. They should be able to get to Lehner for a handful of goals, stealing Game 1 as moderate underdogs.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Canucks returns a net profit of $16, while a winning $10 bet on the Golden Knights (-189) would fetch a profit of $5.29.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID. The Canucks (+1.5, -167) are affordable if you feel the need for insurance in Game 1, but it’s not advised. Bet on the straight-up upset instead. The Golden Knights (-1.5, +140) are a tempting play at plus-money if you’re not feeling the whale, and think the No. 1 seed is gonna roll.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 6 (Over +100, Under -121), but I’m suggesting to play the alternate line of OVER 5.5 (-129). Four of the previous five meetings between Vancouver and Vegas have seen at least 7 goals. The Over is also an impressive 20-8-1 in the past 29 for the ‘Nucks, while going 6-0 in the past six for VGK when playing on three or more days of rest.

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

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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