The Golden Knights advanced to the Conference final for the second time in their brief existence by wrapping up their second-round clash with the Edmonton Oilers with a decisive 5-2 win in Game 6 last Sunday. The Stars survived a scare in their clash with Seattle in the second round, overcoming a 2-1 series deficit to knock off the upstart Kraken in seven games to earn their second trip to the Western Conference Final in four years.

The Golden Knights open the series as slim -121 home favourites on the NHL Game 1 odds. The Stars lag as +100 underdogs, and the total is listed at 5.5, with -115 odds favouring the UNDER.

Stars vs. Golden Knights NHL Playoff Betting Odds

Friday night’s matchup marks the fourth overall meeting of the season between these clubs, and also marks their first clash in the postseason since the 2019 Western Conference Final. The Stars swept the season series with Vegas, and have now topped the Golden Knights in four straight clashes. Dallas also topped the Golden Knights in an epic playoff matchup four years, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to bounce Vegas in seven games and claim a berth in the Stanley Cup Final. Low scoring has been a recurring theme when these teams meet, with the total reaching 6.0 just once during a 9-1-1 run for the UNDER.

With home ice advantage, the Golden Knights have emerged as -133 chalk on the NHL playoff series prices to avenge their 2019 playoff loss to Dallas and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in franchise history. The Stars trail as a +1-5 bet, while the odds of the series going at least six games are pegged at -185.

Dallas Stars

The Stars have endured slow starts to each of their two playoff series this spring, falling to defeat in Game 1 in each of those matchups. However, they are 3-1 in their past four when playing a series opener on the road, allowing just five total goals over that stretch. This club needs greater consistency from netminder Jake Oettinger, particular against a potent Vegas attack. Oettinger has shone on home ice while winning three straight, but was lit up for 12 goals on just 54 total shots in three trips to Seattle in the second round. However, he surrendered just three total goals in three dates with Vegas this season. Roope Hintz has led the attack up front, recording team highs with nine goals and 10 assists. Conversely, sniper Jason Robertson has scored just twice so far in these playoffs after potting 46 during the regular season.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights have proven that sometimes star power between the pipes is not needed to make a deep run in the NHL playoffs. Vegas has struggled with goaltending injury woes all season, and were discounted by many observers while entering the postseason with the tandem of Laurent Brossoit and Adin Hill. Brossoit has since been injured, leaving the reins in the hands of Hill, who played a massive role in the team’s second-round win over Edmonton while stopping 70 of 75 total shots in Games 5 and 6 to clinch the series. And after struggling to score at times down the stretch, Vegas shooters have rediscovered their touch in the postseason, with all four of their wins over the Oilers coming by multi-goal margins. Jack Eichel has embraced his first taste of playoff success, scoring six goals and a team-high 14 points, and turned in a trio of three-point performances.  

Game 1 Prediction: Who Will Win Stars vs. Golden Knights?

History suggests tonight will be another low-scoring affair between these clubs. The Stars have owned the Golden Knights all season, but need Jake Oettinger to step up against a Vegas attack that has averaged 3.80 goals over their past 10 home dates. While picking a winner is a toss up, the UNDER offers plenty of value in totals betting.

STARS

Away

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GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Home

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