Dallas Stars vs Tampa Bay Lightning betting preview
Starting Goalies
Stars: Anton Khudobin - 12-6, 2.62 GAA, .920 SV%
Lightning: Andrei Vasilevskiy - 14-5, 1.82 GAA, .931 SV%
Khudobin has been terrific and solidified his role as the starter with Ben Bishop remaining “unfit to play.” Vegas may have routinely outshot the Stars in the Western Conference final, but Khudobin was unflappable, allowing only 1.60 goals per game against the high-powered Knights.
While Tampa’s talented attackers grab much of the spotlight, the 26-year-old Vasilevkiy remains squarely in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy. The Lightning goalie’s 1.87 goals-against average during the postseason speaks to his dominance, and he’s started every game in net for the Bolts during postseason play.
Injuries
Stars: Taylor Fedun D (day-to-day), Radek Faksa C (day-to-day), Ben Bishop G (out), Stephen Johns D (out), Roman Polak D (out), Martin Hanzal D (out)
Lightning: Jan Rutta D (out), Steven Stamkos C (out)
Get the latest NHL injury updates.
Betting Trend to Know
The Stars are 5-1 in their last six games. Find the latest NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Lightning.
Stars vs Lightning NHL odds movement
Check back for an odds update on this game.
Moneyline Pick
The Lightning are playing every bit like the juggernaut that we expected them to be, as they are motivated after their shocking first-round exit (via sweep) last season. They’re the more talented team in this series, yet Dallas has suddenly discovered an offense during the postseason, with a sizzling 27.3 per cent conversion rate on the power play.
The Stars continue to get no respect from bookmakers: they were underdogs in every game of their series against the Golden Knights, and they find themselves in that same spot again. This is a team that relishes that role, and they’ve been resting since Monday, while the Lightning will be playing again within 48 hours and after having to go to overtime. The Stars are the play.
PREDICTION: Stars ML (+155)
[[ad:athena]]
Over/Under Pick
The Stars are averaging 2.95 goals per game during the playoffs, while the Lightning are averaging 3.11. I expect both of those numbers to tick down in this series with each netminder playing so well.
The total for Game 1 is set for five goals, and that’s a low number. However, the Under has hit in four of Dallas’ last five games and in 13 of Tampa’s last 20.
PREDICTION: Under 5 (+110)
Prop pick
Stars left winger Jamie Benn has been playing incredible hockey in the bubble, with eight goals and 18 points in 21 games. That’s a hot streak that we can take advantage of, and you’re not paying a premium, either.
PREDICTION: Jamie Benn total points Over 0.5 (-106)
Stars vs Lightning Betting Card
- Stars ML (+155)
- Under 5 (+110)
- Jamie Benn total points Over 0.5 (-106)
