Stars vs. Lightning Game 1 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
The stage for the Stanley Cup Final is set with the NHL’s two hottest teams in the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning. Both coming off series-winning overtime goals, these Southern clubs are looking to finish off what many have been calling one of the hardest Stanley Cups to win.
It’s Dallas’ first trip to the Final in 20 years, while the Lightning last made an appearance in 2015. Both teams are gunning for their second Stanley Cup, and oddsmakers are giving Tampa the edge as -140 favourites.
Stars vs. Lightning Betting Analysis
The Stars swept the Lightning in two games this season, and a lot has changed in Dallas’ favour since. Key changes include Anton Khudobin emerging as their starting netminder and a lot of household fans now knowing Joel Kiviranta’s name.
Dallas knocked off Calgary in six games, Colorado in seven (led by a Kiviranta hat-trick and overtime winner), and most recently Vegas in five for a 12-7 playoff record. Tampa Bay cruised by Columbus in five games, Boston in five, and the New York Islanders in six for a 12-4 record in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The over is 11-3 in these teams’ last 14 meetings, yet is set at five goals for Game 1. Tampa Bay is also a -155 favourite to take the series-opening tilt.
Dallas Stars
It’s not often a finals-bound team has a defenceman as their leading scorer, but it’s not the Stars struggling and about how special Miro Heiskanen is for Dallas. Heiskanen’s 22 points rank higher than teammates Jamie Benn (18), Denis Gurianov (17), Joe Pavelski (14), and Alex Radulov (14).
Although Khudobin and the Stars haven’t been great defensively in the bubble, they’re revving it up lately. Vegas scored just eight goals against Dallas last round, Khudobin posting a .950 save percentage in the Western Conference Final.
Things look even more promising considering both Tyler Seguin and Roope Hintz have only scored twice these playoffs. If either catches fire, look out for the Stars.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are playing at another level in the bubble. Jon Cooper’s 11 defenceman, seven forward roster is 8-0 when Brayden Point suits up, albeit 0-2 when he’s out. The good news for Tampa is Point played in their series-clincher Thursday and seems good to go from here on. And will captain Steven Stamkos make his first postseason appearance?
The Bolts are loaded at both ends, whether you want to praise their superstars or depth veterans. Nikita Kucherov leads all postseason scorers with 26 points, while defenceman Victor Hedman is a Conn Smythe-postseason with nine goals and six assists.
Then if you manage to get past those studs, Tampa’s got Andrei Vasilevskiy and his .931 save percentage to shut it down in net.
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