This is the last four-game slate of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Will there be any Game 7s, or will all the series get decided on Thursday night?
- Toronto is 0 for its last 30 on the power play in playoff clinching games.
- Dallas and Colorado have traded 4-0 shutouts in the past two contests.
- Minnesota and Vegas have played consecutive one-goal outcomes after the -1.5 spread covered in three straight.
Yes, the remote will feel some strain again tonight. Two games are on ESPN2 and two on TBS/MAX tonight.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Props Versus Ottawa
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The Toronto Maple Leafs never make things easy. It appeared the Maple Leafs might cruise past the Ottawa Senators. However, two straight losses have a city and fanbase in undeniable panic. First off, John Tavares keeps firing shots on goal, and Matthew Knies finds a way to get points. These border on Dylan Strome levels of profit.
For those wondering, Strome had nine points in five games versus the Montreal Canadiens, including multiple power-play points in Game 5. Tavares has 3+ shots in three straight games and four of the five contests in this series. Knies has three goals in five games, including six shots in Game 4.
Now, Tavares still stands at -115 via BetMGM with an over of 2.5 shots. Knies is at -120 on several sites for the over of 0.5 points. The genuine concern for bettors may be whether Anthony Stolarz bounces back. He has seen less and less work in this series, which is odd. One wager to consider if the game is decided in 60 minutes may be the under on saves.
Stolarz stopping 24 or fewer shots is currently even at BetMGM.
Best Prop Bet: Anthony Stolarz Under 24.5 saves (Even via BetMGM)
The Right Time For Vegas May Be Now
Okay, there is one significant injury update. Filip Gustavsson (illness) is expected to play and start in goal for Minnesota. Vegas is currently favored around -165 on the moneyline, and one wonders if sportsbooks expect the Golden Knights to take advantage of Gustavsson on the road. Minnesota did lose once at home in overtime. Other than Game 1, the goaltender has been solid in the first round. He would have gone over his save prop for a fourth straight game if not for illness.
Two targets for Minnesota are Gustavsson facing a ton of shots and the Matt Boldy anytime goal. Boldy is still +190 on DraftKings in this scenario despite having many chances and scoring in four of the five contests. While Kirill Kaprizov has been the undeniable catalyst, Boldy’s speed and shot have put him in a great position.
Then, there is Vegas. Can the Golden Knights win a third straight game and close the series out? Adin Hill has been good when he has to be, but he has faced 22 or fewer shots in four of the five games. If the game ends in regulation, his save prop (Under 22.5 saves at -115 on DraftKings) is almost a lock.
We will opt for an entertaining close game that hits the over instead. All but one game (Game 5) has seen six or more goals scored combined.
Top Pick: Vegas and Minnesota Over 5.5 Goals (-108 via DraftKings)
Going For The Most Likely Game Seven
Both teams have looked dominant in their own way. Colorado won 4-0 in Game 4, only to see Dallas flip the script and win by four goals in Game 5. Neither team can seize momentum.
Since the third period of Game 1, Jake Oettinger has been the better goalie in this series. That offers some concern. He was even chased in Game 4, where Colorado unloaded 48 shots overall.
Colorado may be the better team, but again, Dallas has put forth better 60-minute efforts. The Avalanche could pay for that in a Game 7, but tonight, they expect to be the night to make a statement. The Avalanche are our best pick to see a series go the distance.
Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 goals +138 via FanDuel
