Tag: Vegas Golden Knights betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Vegas Golden Knights at Winnipeg Jets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Winnipeg Jets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Vegas Golden Knights (4-0-0) and Winnipeg Jets (1-2-0) clash Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at the Canada Life Centre. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Jets odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Vegas has opened the season with 4 straight wins. The Knights have piled up a plus-10 goal differential and have done so with the benefit of just 2 powerplay goals. Vegas last played Tuesday, edging the Dallas Stars 3-2 in a shootout.

The Jets also played Tuesday; they were drubbed by the Los Angeles Kings 5-1in L.A. Winnipeg ranks 32nd in the NHL in defense, allowing 4.67 goals per game.

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Golden Knights at Jets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Golden Knights -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Jets -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Puck Line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights -1.5 (+200) | Jets +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Golden Knights at Jets projected goalies

Adin Hill (3-0-0, 1.31 GAA, .951 SV%) vs. Laurent Brossoit (7-0-3, 2.17 GAA, .927 SV% in 2022-23)

Hill has had a hot hand so far. He stopped 24 of 26 shots in Tuesday’s 3-2 shootout win over the Stars. He’s a 7-year veteran who came on string after the 1st of the year last season. He faced Winnipeg 3 times, clocking a .907 SV%.

Brossoit has appeared in 35 games over the last 2 seasons, both with the club he’ll face on Thursday. The now 30-year-old had also spent time with the Edmonton Oilers and Jets (2018-21) before going to Vegas in 2021.

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Golden Knights at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Jets 3

Moneyline

The Winnipeg defense has just been too loose. And its offensive struggles from Tuesday may well carry over. The Jets had issues last season with scoring slumps often coming in pairs and bunches.

The Knights are better at creating quality scoring chances, and they likely won’t let the Jets through the door on a powerplay. The Vegas PK has thus far gone 11-for-11.

BACK THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-115).

Puck line/Against the spread

We should want a bit more return for Vegas here. A +210 would make for some interest. PASS otherwise.

Over/Under

There is enough goaltending gray area here to make the best course of action a STEER CLEAR.

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Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Dallas Stars (1-0-0) and Vegas Golden Knights (3-0-0) meet Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stars vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

We get a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals series, which went in favor of the Golden Knights in 6 games.

We’ve seen the Stars just once this season, an underwhelming 2-1 home victory in a shootout against the St. Louis Blues.

The Golden Knights have won all 3 of their games to date, winning by the same exact 4-1 score in all of the contests. Vegas has wins over the Seattle Kraken, San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks, cashing the Under in each of the outings.

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Stars at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:23 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Stars -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Golden Knights -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Stars +1.5 (-250) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+200)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Stars at Golden Knights projected goalies

Jake Oettinger (1-0-0, 0.92 GAA, .958 SV%) vs. Adin Hill (2-0-0, 1.01 GAA, .964 SV%)

Oettinger was sharp in his first and only appearance of the new season, turning aside 23 of the 24 shots he faced against the Blues. He was dominant against the Golden Knights in the regular season in 2022-23, going 3-0-0 with a 0.96 GAA and .967 SV% with a shutout.

Hill, the Stanley Cup hero, has picked up right where he left off. He has allowed just 2 goals on 56 shots with a tremendous save percentage. Hill didn’t face the Stars in the regular season in 2022-23, but he did win 4 of 6 starts in the playoff series, so there’s that.

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Stars at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Stars 2

Moneyline

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-115) are worth a play, as Vegas looks to stay perfect on the season. It’s a tall order against the Stars (-105), who dominated the regular-season series in 2022-23.

However, VGK has been consistent so far in the new season, and they have plenty of momentum, while the Stars got things started, then due to a scheduling quirk, they have had time off. That’s hard to develop early-season chemistry.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Stars +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2½ times your potential return, and that’s just way too much risk for not nearly enough reward. If you like Dallas, particularly due to its 3-game dominance in the regular season, just play it straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-120) is the best play on the board in this playoff series rematch.

Oettinger picked up right where he left off in the playoffs, shutting down the Blues in the opener, allowing just a single goal. Hill has also allowed just 2 total goals in his 2 starts to date. We have seen a lot of offense around the NHL, but goals should be at a premium in this battle.

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Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-0) and the San Jose Sharks meet Thursday at SAP Center at San Jose. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Sharks odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Golden Knights picked up the 4-1 victory Tuesday over the Seattle Kraken on Opening Night at T-Mobile Arena, as Vegas was not affected by the raising of the Stanley Cup championship banner. Some teams get off to a sluggish start, but VGK fired out to a 3-0 lead by early in the 2nd period and never looked back.

The Sharks probably wish it was anybody else visiting the Bay Area for their home opener. San Jose is just 3-13 in the past 16 tries against Vegas, including a dismal 1-8 mark in the past 9 tries at home against the Golden Knights. The underdog is just 6-21 in the past 27 in the series, too, with the Under going 5-2-2 in the previous 9 matchups at SAP Center.

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Golden Knights at Sharks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:56 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Sharks +190 (bet $100 to win $190)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights -1.5 (+105) | Sharks +1.5 (-125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Golden Knights at Sharks projected goalies

Logan Thompson (37-13-8, 2.48 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO – 2022-23) vs. Kaapo Kahkonen (5-2-0, 2.94 GAA, .905 SV% )

Thompson is confirmed to start Game No. 2 for VGK, after G Adin Hill got the nod in the opener at “The Fortress”. Thompson suffered a late-season injury last year and was replaced by Hill who caught fire down the stretch and into the playoffs, eventually being instrumental in Vegas winning it all.

Thompson was fire on the road last season, and he was an All-Star while going 12-4-0 with a 2.63 GAA and .920 SV% away from home, so he certainly is no slouch. He did lose his only appearance against the Sharks on Nov. 15, 2022, allowing 3 goals on 27 shots in a 5-2 setback on home ice.

Kahkonen won just 9 times last season, including a dismal 2-9-6 record with an unseemly 4.34 GAA and .863 SV% in 18 starts on home ice. Oddly enough, he was very sharp in his lone appearance against Vegas, allowing just 2 goals on 38 shots in a narrow 2-1 loss at T-Mobile Arena on Feb. 16.

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Golden Knights at Sharks picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Sharks 2

Moneyline

The Golden Knights (-250) will set you back 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk and not nearly enough reward. Plus, we haven’t seen the Sharks (+190) yet, so there is plenty of risk because of that, too. While all indications are that San Jose is going to be pretty terrible again this season, hope springs eternal, especially in the season opener at home.

AVOID.

Puck line/Against the spread

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS -1.5 (+105) are a less risky play on the road laying the goal and a half.

While Vegas actually split the 4-game season series with the Sharks last season, it did win 4-2 at SAP Center in an early-season visit on Oct. 25, which is a very similar scenario to this game. Expect VGK to pull away with its quick-strike offense, similar to Tuesday’s game against Seattle.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-115) is the lean, but go lightly. Thompson could be a little rusty and Kahkonen certainly gave up his fair share of goals last season — especially at home.

Still, VGK cashed the Under in its opener Tuesday against a very good offensive Kraken team, so we’ll go low on the total, albeit very lightly.

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Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights open the 2023-24 National Hockey League regular season Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Kraken vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Kraken took the Dallas Stars to Game 7 in the 2nd round of the playoffs, going 7-7 in the postseason in just the franchise’s 2nd season. Seattle looks to take another step this season. Seattle will need to top Vegas, a team it is just 1-7 against in 2 NHL seasons.

The Golden Knights will raise a banner on Tuesday night, and sometimes that can throw teams off. VGK ended the regular season sweeping a home-and-home set against Seattle, outscoring the Kraken 7-2 as the Under cashed in both games April 11-13.

The Kraken did top the Golden Knights 4-2 on Nov. 25 last season as moderate underdogs (+165) as the Under (6.5) cashed, the only time Seattle topped Vegas so far.

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Kraken at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:36 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Kraken +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Golden Knights -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-165) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Kraken at Golden Knights projected goalies

Philipp Grubauer (17-14-4, 2.85 GAA, .895 SV% – 2022-23) vs. Adin Hill (16-7-1, 2.50 GAA, .915 SV%)

Seattle had a mediocre preseason finishing things off 3-2-1 overall following a 2-goal loss to Edmonton in their final preseason game. Grubauer struggled in the net for Seattle posting a .880 save percentage after giving up 3 goals on 25 shots in just under 56.5 minutes on the ice. The 31-year-old  netminder has never faced the Kraken.

 The 27-year-old goalie was the first choice for the Golden Knights in the postseason, tallying an 11-4-0 record to go with a strong .932 save percentage. He’s 1-2 with a 3.08 GAA in 4 games against Vegas.

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Kraken at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Kraken 2

Moneyline

The Golden Knights (-175) are the defending champs, and they’re 7-1 all-time against the Kraken (+145). However, there will be a lot of pressure as the banner is raised, pregame routines are going to be thrown off, and facing Seattle is a rather tall order, too. This is going to be a close shave, and it could go either way, honestly.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The KRAKEN +1.5 (-165) are a decent play on the puck line if you would like a little bit of insurance. It wouldn’t be shocking to see his game fail to end in regulation, and need overtime and/or a shootout to determine a winner. That’s a thing of beauty when that happens and you have the underdog on the puck line.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-120) is worth a look, as Grubauer and Hill should put on a decent show in Vegas.

The Under cashed in the final 3 regular-season meetings, with an average of 5.0 combined goals per game (GPG).

The Under was also 6-3-1 in the final 10 regular-season games overall for the Kraken, while going 6-3-1 in the final 10 regular-season road games, too. The Under was also 3-0 in the final 3 games for Vegas, while going 5-2 in the final 7 regular-season games.

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Stanley Cup Final: Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights Game 5 odds and lines, with expert NHL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights continue their best-of-7 series on Tuesday with Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas leads the series 3-1. Puck drop from T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Stanley will be in the building on Tuesday night. No, not Stanley C. Panther, the Florida mascot, but THE Stanley. The holy grail of hockey. The best trophy in all of sports.

The precession is amazing, with the black case, the two guys in blazers with white gloves, etc. Do they come out at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday night in Las Vegas?

VGK pushed Florida to the brink of elimination Saturday night with a 3-2 victory in Sunrise. The Golden Knights were up 3-0 midway through the 2nd period, all 5-on-5 goals, and Vegas failed to score a power-play goal for the 1st time in this series.

Florida fought hard, as Brandon Montour scored late in the 2nd, and Aleksander Barkov scored early in the 3rd, but that’s as close as the Panthers would get. They’re now 1-7 all-time in Stanley Cup Finals games.

Game 4 ended with some ugliness, too. After the horn sounded, and VGK won, there was a donnybrook. Irritant Matthew Tkachuk was involved, earning a slashing and unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, his 4th of the series, and 5th of the postseason. He is the 7th player in NHL history to have that many in a playoffs.

In addition, Tkachuk is believed to be battling a shoulder ailment, and his status is actually up in the air for Game 5. He was limited to just 16:40 of TOI, his second-lowest playing time of the entire postseason. It is believed that a crushing blow from VGK’s Keegan Kolesar in Game 3, which forced Tkachuk off the ice to get checked for concussion, is when he suffered the injury.

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Panthers at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 6:53 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Panthers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Golden Knights -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-190) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Panthers at Golden Knights projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs. Adin Hill (16-7-1, 2.50 GAA, .915 SV% – regular season)

Bobrovsky stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced, and he had a clean 2nd half of the game. However, he hasn’t been nearly the same brick wall as he was during the previous 2 series against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. Bob is just 1-3 with a 3.74 GAA and .875 SV%.

Hill wasn’t even among the top 2 goaltenders for VGK during the regular season, and now he is 1 win away from having his named etched on Lord Stanley’s Cup. He stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced en route to his 10th win of the postseason. Hill had just 16 wins in the regular season.

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Panthers at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 3, Golden Knights 2

Moneyline

Call it part wishful thinking, as I don’t want the hockey season to end, and part amazing value play. The PANTHERS (+145) are worth a roll of the dice, against all odds on the road, as they look to extend their season and keep their championship hopes alive.

It could be quite an uphill climb if Tkachuk is again limited, or worse, unable to go. However, on a positive note, Florida managed to keep the Golden Knights (-175) power-play unit quiet for the first time in this series in Game 4. If Bobrovsky and the Panthers can do that again, there is a chance Florida sends this one back across the country for a Game 6.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Panthers +1.5 (-190) is just a little too rich for my blood, although if you were to include the Florida puck line with Under 5.5, it pays +180, and it is very much worth it for a little insurance.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-120) is the lean again in Game 5. This is desperation time, and as the intensity has ratcheted up, the scores have ratcheted down.

We saw a pair of Over results in Games 1 and 2 on The Strip, but a pair of Under results in Games 3 and 4, with a lot more hard hitting and chippy play. I believe the latter continues, and going low is your best bet for Game 5.

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Stanley Cup Final: Vegas Golden Knights at Florida Panthers Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Florida Panthers Game 4 odds and lines, with expert NHL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers meet for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final Saturday. Vegas leads the series 2-1. Puck drop from FLA Live Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Golden Knights had the Panthers on the ropes in Game 3, up 2-1 late in the 3rd period. However, with an empty net and an extra attacker, Florida’s LW Matthew Tkachuk found a yawning net with 2:13 left in regulation to force overtime where C Carter Verhaeghe notched the game-winning goal just 4:27 into the extra session.

An 0-3 series hole would have been Florida’s death knell, but it is still alive and well. The 3-2 overtime win for the Panthers in Game 3 meant that the Under cashed for the 1st time in the series and preserved a perfect 3-0 record for the home team.

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Golden Knights at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:05 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Panthers -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights +1.5 (-250) | Panthers -1.5 (+200)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Golden Knights at Panthers projected goalies

Adin Hill (16-7-1, 2.50 GAA, .915 SV% – regular season) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs.

Hill was solid for a majority of Game 3, but he gave up the rebound goal to Tkachuk to force OT and the Verhaeghe winner in the extra session, ultimately allowing 3 goals on 23 shots.

Bobrovsky kicked aside 25 of the 27 shots he faced on home ice, bouncing back nicely after getting pulled in Game 2. He is now 12-4 with a 2.46 GAA and .925 SV% with a shutout in 16 postseason games and 17 appearances overall.

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Golden Knights at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Panthers 2

Moneyline

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (+100) nearly had a commanding 3-0 series lead, but Tkachuk and Verhaeghe had other ideas, giving the Panthers their first-ever win in the Stanley Cup Final round after going 0-6 in their first 6 tries.

While Florida was impressive enough late, I still think Vegas is the team to beat in this series. Vegas’ power play has been tremendous too, going 6-for-17 (35.3%) in this series with 2 goals on the man advantage in all 3 games so far.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Golden Knights +1.5 (-250) is too much risk for not enough reward, costing you 2 1/2 times your potential bet.

If you like Vegas, just play it straight up for a much better value. Laying this kind of money for such a small return is not a recommended long-term betting strategy.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-110) connected in Game 3, even with the game going to overtime. As we get deeper into a series, especially one which has so much at stake, the high-danger chances are usually fewer and farther between. We get a lot more physical play, fewer scoring chances and rock-solid goaltending. Look for that to be the same in Game 4, as Bob and Hill put on a show.

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Stanley Cup Final: Vegas Golden Knights at Florida Panthers Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Florida Panthers Game 3 odds and lines, with expert NHL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers meet for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final Thursday. Vegas leads the series 2-0. Puck drop from FLA Live Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Panthers were trampled on The Strip in Las Vegas, losing 7-2 Monday in Game 2 and dropping the series opener 5-2 Saturday. Florida went to Vegas with hopes of winning big but hopped a red-eye home beaten and downtrodden. It’s been known to happen to plenty with big dreams heading to Sin City.

The Golden Knights were a solid 2-for-4 on the power play in Game 2 and are 4-for-11 (36.4%) on the man advantage in this series so far. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 0-for-7 on the power play.

Florida has been the more physical team, outhitting Vegas at a 36-to-29 margin in Game 1, and a 44-to-24 margin in Game 2.

Vegas scored 2 goals in the 1st and 2nd periods and lit the lamp 3 times in the final 20 minutes in Game 2. Light-scoring C Brett Howden bagged 2 goals, while former Panthers sniper RW Jonathan Marchessault had a power-play goal, an even-strength marker and a helper for the only 3-point night in the series so far. Marchessault has become the Conn Smythe Trophy favorite at -105 as a result.

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Golden Knights at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Panthers -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights +1.5 (-250) | Panthers -1.5 (+200)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Golden Knights at Panthers projected goalies

Adin Hill (16-7-1, 2.50 GAA, .915 SV% – regular season) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs.

Hill is quickly scooting up the Conn Smythe odds, tied with Jack Eichel with the 2nd-shortest odds at +500. The backstop has been electric, including a ridiculous highlight-reel stick save across a yawning net to stop C Nick Cousins from an easy tap-in goal in Game 1.

The 27-year-old backstop has kicked aside 62 of the 66 shots he has faced in his 2 starts in this series, and he has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 9 of the past 10 starts overall.

Bobrovsky had a firm grip on the Conn Smythe Trophy heading into this series, but he has been bombed for 8 goals on just 46 shots (.826 SV%) and he was yanked by coach Paul Maurice in Game 2. If you still believe in Bob, he is a huge value. His Conn Smythe odds have tumbled all the way to +1200, going from favorite to long shot in just 2 games.

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Golden Knights at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Panthers 2

Moneyline

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (+100) are worth a look as short ‘dogs in Game 3, as this team is playing with a ton of confidence.

A change of venue and 2 full days of rest could totally make a difference, but the Panthers have been stout in every series so far. However, after roaring in the first 3 series, these cats looked neutered in the first 2 games.

I am seeing a parade from the Strat, past Resorts World, in front of the Mirage, past Caesars Palace, in front of the fountains of the Bellagio, down to Park MGM and T-Mobile Arena, or perhaps it will be in reverse of that order — but it’s happening in 2 or 3 more games.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Golden Knights +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s too expensive in their first road game of this series. There is just value in a singular bet on Vegas on the puck line, and including it in a multi-team parlay sucks the value out of your ticket.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-110) is the lean in Game 3 as the series shifts to South Florida. I expect the Panthers to play better and I expect Bob in particular to be much sharper.

We have seen a pair of Over results in the first 2 games of the series, but as we get deeper into the series, look for more defense, and better goaltending.

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Stanley Cup Final: Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 odds and lines, with expert NHL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights continue their best-of-7 series on Monday with Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas leads the series 1-0. Puck drop from T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Panthers had won 11 of the last 12 games prior to Game 1, but the Golden Knights posted a 5-2 victory in the series opener.

Veteran Eric Staal opened the scoring for Florida with a shorthanded goal midway through the 1st period, but former Panthers sniper Jonathan Marchessault answered with a power-play goal at 17:18 to tie it.

In the 2nd period, Shea Theodore scored his 1st goal of the postseason for Vegas at 10:54, but Anthony Duclair beat the clock with an unassisted even-strength goal at 19:49 to level the game at 2.

It was anybody’s game, but VGK seized control in the 3rd. Zach Whitecloud struck 6:59 into the final period, while Mark Stone added an unassisted goal and Reilly Smith put a bow on the scoring with a goal into the empty net. Jack Eichel didn’t score, but he picked up 2 assists, joining Theodore (1 G, 1 A) as the only player with multiple points in Game 1.

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Panthers at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:26 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Panthers +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Golden Knights -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-225) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Panthers at Golden Knights projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs. Adin Hill (16-7-1, 2.50 GAA, .915 SV% – regular season)

Bobrovsky coughed up 4 goals on 33 shots in Game 1, his most goals allowed in 11 games since conceding 5 goals on 34 shots against the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

Bobrovsky is now 11-3-0 with a 2.32 GAA and .931 SV% with a shutout in 14 postseason starts and 1 relief appearance. Despite the loss, Bob remains the chalk (+275) at BetMGM Sportsbook for the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL’s postseason most valuable player. Eichel is right on his heels, however, at +325.

Hill allowed 2 goals on 35 shots in the opening win, including a ridiculous sprawling stick save to rob Nick Cousins early in the 2nd period.

In these playoffs, Hill is 8-3-0 with a 2.06 GAA and .938 SV% with 2 SO in 10 postseason starts and 2 relief appearances. He is quickly sneaking up the Conn Smythe odds, too, now sitting at +500, the 5th-shortest odds.

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Panthers at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 4, Golden Knights 3

Moneyline

The PANTHERS (+120) are a value play Monday night on the Strip.

Like the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Florida was bested by a large margin in the opening game of this series. And like the Heat in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets, I expect the Panthers to come back and level this series before heading back to South Florida.

Despite the loss, Florida is still 12-2 in its last 14 road games, while going 13-3 in the last 16 games when working on a day of rest.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Panthers +1.5 (-225) should be avoided in Game 2, as you must risk more than 2 times your potential return. If you like Florida, take it straight up on the moneyline for a much better value.

PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 6 (+100) is worth a look in Game 2, but go lightly.

While we saw a total of 7 goals in the opening game, we also had a shorthanded goal, as well as an empty-net goal. Neither of those things can be expected in each outing.

However, while I expect Bobrovsky to be much better in Game 2, as he has been on a heater, I do not expect Hill to be nearly as efficient as the opening game win. At the least, I can see a push, but the lean is Over yet again.

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Stanley Cup Final: Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 odds and lines, with expert NHL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Florida Panthers visit the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 1 of the best-of-7 Stanley Cup Final Saturday. Puck drop from T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Panthers have been red-hot, winning 5 consecutive games since a Game 4 setback against the Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice in the 2nd round. Florida is 11-1 across its last 12 games with the Under cashing in 8 of its last 9 games.

Florida has ousted the top overall seed Boston Bruins in 7 games in the opening round before polishing off the Leafs in 5, before sweeping the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.

The Panthers have won 8 straight playoff road outings since dropping Game 1 against the Bruins. The Under has connected in 6 of the 9 road outings for Florida, including each of the past 5 away games.

The Golden Knights suffered losses in 2 straight elimination games against the Dallas Stars before finally ousting their opponent in Game 6 of the Western Conference Final. Vegas has won 6 of the past 8 games overall.

Vegas topped the Winnipeg Jets in 5 games in the Conference Quarterfinals, before easing by the Edmonton Oilers in 6 games. The Golden Knights are 6-3 in 9 home games and the Over is 6-3 in 9 home playoff contests, too.

Vegas picked up a 4-2 victory on home ice Jan. 12 as the Under cashed in these teams’ first regular-season meeting, while Florida won 2-1 on March 7 in Sunrise as the Under cashed again.

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Panthers at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:36 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Panthers +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Golden Knights -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-250) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+195)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Panthers at Golden Knights projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs. Adin Hill (16-7-1, 2.50 GAA, .915 SV% – regular season)

Bobrovsky allowed 3 goals on 39 shots in Game 4 against the Hurricanes, winning a 5th consecutive start. He is now 11-2-0 with a 2.21 GAA and .935 SV% in 13 postseason starts and 1 relief appearance. Bob has become the chalk at BetMGM Sportsbook for the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL’s postseason most valuable player.

He was 1-1-0 with a 2.02 GAA and .938 SV% in 2 regular-season starts against the Golden Knights.

Hill turned aside all 23 shots he faced in an elimination game in Dallas in Game 6, his 2nd shutout in 4 starts. In the postseason, Hill is 7-3-0 with a 2.07 GAA and .937 SV% with 2 SO in 9 postseason starts and 2 relief appearances.

He posted a 1-1-0 record with a 2.03 GAA and .963 SV% in 2 starts against the Panthers during the regular season.

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Panthers at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Panthers 2

Moneyline

The chase for Lord Stanley’s Cup has reached the final series, and the GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-130) should break the ice with a victory in Game 1 in what should be a very close game.

It won’t be easy, as the Panthers have won 11 of the past 12 games, and they have 8 consecutive road victories in the playoffs.

Still, Vegas is 18-6 in the past 24 games at home and is 5-1 in its last 6 games when working on 3 or more days of rest. It is also 4-0 in the past 4 against Eastern Conference teams.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Panthers +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return if you like the visitors to keep it within a single goal.

That’s way too expensive, and if you like Florida, you should just play it straight up. Puck line plays on the underdog are usually just way too much risk for not enough reward.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-105) is a decent play, especially since the Panthers have cashing so many Unders. However, some trends point the other way. The Golden Knights have cashed the Over in 12 of the past 17 games at ‘The Fortress’ and the Over is 3-1-1 in Vegas’ last 5 when working on 3 or more days of rest.

Still, both goaltenders are playing with a lot of confidence and we’ve also had plenty of days off between series for teams. There will be some rust, at least early on, so go low and feel confident in doing so.

In addition, I like UNDER 1.5 1ST PERIOD GOALS (-105) in Game 1, although I’d go lightly all around on the totals.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights meet the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of their Western Conference Final playoff series Monday. Puck drop at American Airlines Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Stars odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Golden Knights lead the series 3-2 after dropping Game 5 at home Saturday 4-2. Vegas looked a little complacent. Coach Bruce Cassidy highlighted the team’s 24 giveaways in Game 5, and captain Mark Stone said the team needs a better effort and to be a little more desperate. That all showed as Dallas stole this one.

Midway through the 3rd period, C Ty Dellandrea struck for 2 goals in just over 90 seconds to put the Stars ahead to stay. It was the 1st 2-goal game of his playoff career for a guy who was a healthy scratch at times this postseason. Stars LW Jamie Benn will return from a 2-game suspension for Game 6.

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Golden Knights at Stars odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Stars -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights +1.5 (-250) | Stars -1.5 (+190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Golden Knights at Stars projected goalies

Adin Hill (16-7-1, 2.50 GAA, .915 SV%, 0 SO – regular season) vs. Jake Oettinger (37-11-11, 2.37 GAA, .919 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Hill stopped 30 of 34 shots in Game 5 as he has now made at least 30 saves in all but 1 game this series. The Stars might be onto something, though, as he has allowed 7 goals in the last 2 games after allowing just 5 in the first 3 games. Hill is 6-3 with a 2.30 GAA and .932 SV% these playoffs.

Oettinger was good again in Game 5 with 27 saves on 29 shots. Over the last 2 games, he has stopped 64 of 68 for a .941 SV%. It really has been a tale of 2 series for Otter, who allowed 10 goals combined in the 1st 3 games and 4 the last 2. He’s 10-8 with a 2.89 GAA and .901 SV% these playoffs.

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Golden Knights at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Stars 3

Moneyline

The Golden Knights are narrowly at plus-money for just the 2nd time this series. They closed at +120 for Game 3, up 2-0 in Dallas, and they’re at +110 here. So the books aren’t too convinced we’ll see a Game 7. This is truly a toss-up. Hill has been playing well above his pay grade, and maybe that prompted VGK to be a little lax with the puck. I look for a high-octane game here that may require a 7th overtime between the teams in the last 10 games.

LEAN GOLDEN KNIGHTS +110.

Puck line/Against the spread

No interest in either puck line here, but I expect a more-inspired Golden Knights team. They were beaten 29-25 in faceoffs, 24-21 in hits and 34-29 in shots in Game 5. I look for at least 30-32 shots in this one, and that means BET JAKE OETTINGER OVER 26.5 SAVES (-105).

Over/Under

The Under is 8-0 in the last 8 meetings in Dallas and 15-5-2 in the last 22 overall. But I really look for Vegas to put up 4 here, which they did in the 4-0 win here in Game 3. Dallas should keep it close. This is just a hunch here because VGK’s coach publicly called out their effort, and Dallas is lighting the lamp enough to cash it. So PASS or LEAN OVER 5.5 (-110).

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