The Vegas Golden Knights won two razor-thin games against the Dallas Stars. Still, it showed that Vegas was a bit more clutch. The NHL lines indicate that Dallas gets one back as the series shifts to its home arena. But the Knights have other plans as they look to stay hot and continue scoring when it matters.
Several NHL props support this storyline for Game 3.
Jack Eichel is ‘Him’
Jack Eichel was more than satisfied with his playoff debut. He has six goals and 15 points with Vegas and the team has a PDO of 107.4 when he’s on the ice. Most notably, he’s had plenty of clutch moments for Vegas in this two-game sample against Dallas. This includes this phenomenal assist that led to the tying goal in Game 2.
🤯 JACK EICHEL WITH A SENSATIONAL PASS 🤯
IT’S TIED IN VEGAS! #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/LGdimrCni0
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/JLhJSsEqQP pic.twitter.com/uF6yjYcroW— NHL (@NHL) May 21, 2023
This assist may be Eichel’s only point thus far, but his fingerprints are all over the series. It’s only a matter of “when” the former second-overall pick lights the lamp himself. We’re betting online that he’ll do it in Dallas. He has a penchant for putting up big performances in Vegas’ first road game in a series. He had two goals in Winnipeg and a goal against Edmonton. The trend continues in ‘Big D’.
Oettinger Continues to Get Exposed
Jake Oettinger has had a roller coaster of a postseason. The alleged “elite” goaltender has alternated great performances with subpar ones. But since the Seattle series, his save percentage is just at 87.9 percent. In fact, he’s allowed at least three goals in six of his last nine starts. This is fade-worthy as far as NHL picks are concerned.
Now, Oettinger had a solid outing in Game 1. But we’re taking to the sportsbook that he’ll let in a goal prior to the second half of the first period. He may even get clobbered in Game 3 and get yanked. Alternatively, Dallas can make it three straight games where it scores first and that could come early as well.
Vegas Takes Show on the Road
We’re all in on Vegas. While it’s true that either of the last two games could have gone either way and the series could be tied (or Dallas up 2-0), the Golden Knights had the bigger moments. This team owns on 5-on-5 +18 in goal differential despite what the expected goals metrics indicate. That means Vegas is getting it done with its scoring and goaltending.
While it’s possible that Vegas cools off, we don’t see it happening on both ends. Maybe Adin Hill isn’t as solid in net or maybe the goal-scoring does not come. Either way, Vegas is the team to back. The Golden Knights don’t need to be the first to score since they are going to score last to ice the game (potentially even via the open net).
Live Betting Pick
As far as envisioning a scenario for a live betting pick, go with Vegas. Folks would be up some units had they bet on Vegas after the first period in each of the last two games. Dallas opened the scoring both times, but Vegas came away with the victory. Something similar could happen here. Dallas could go up 1-0 or 2-1, only for Vegas to rally and win the game.
Either way, Vegas is the underdog and its betting line could lengthen if the Golden Knights get into a deficit. The NHL news will be at a frenzy when Vegas has a third straight comeback win.
Golden Knights vs Stars Game 3 Information
- Game: Golden Knights vs Stars
- Date: Tuesday, May 23, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- Golden Knights vs Stars Live stream: NHL.TV
