Written by Graeme on Friday, May 20th, 2022
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Two big road wins yesterday in the NHL playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Lightning got a big 2-1 win over the Panthers. They now have home ice advantage with a 2-0 lead in the series. The playoffs have been a struggle for the Panthers thus far and if you’re a Panthers fan, you’ve got to be concerned.
The Blues got a nice big win over the Avs. It was a well deserved win and an excellent performance from the Blues. Looks like Avs believed their own hype. You see that at times with teams where it’s like they just show up expecting to get the win.
Let’s check out the two games taking place today:
Rangers vs Hurricanes Bets:
Scott: The Rangers were the better team for most of game 1 but Aho scored to tie it with about 2:30 left and Cole won it in overtime. The come from behind win kept the Canes home win streak alive at 5 games during this postseason.
I did pick the Rangers to win the series and after the the first 2 periods I felt great about that. The Rangers need to keep using the “Kid Line” of Lafreniere, Kakko and Chytil as they were the Rangers best line and created lots of chances. They also need to not play defense so much and get the puck into the other end as it’s not possible to win when you get outshot 10-4 in the 3rd.
They’ll have to regroup and take one in Carolina and I’m sure Gallant had time to address their issues from game 1.
Rangers win incl OT
Graeme: It was a very close Game 1. Goaltending was key for both teams. Both put up great offensive advanced metrics with both teams xGF in the 3+ range, and a good amount of high danger chances.
The 3rd period was a big one for the Canes and they continued that momentum into overtime.
We’ve seen enough teams on the losing side in Game 1 make the adjustments. When I look back at that game, it was a very 50/50 type game. Based on that lone game, I do think it’s best backing the Rangers who have very good value.
Rangers incl OT
Ontario: 2.55 Odds at Sports Interaction (SIA) - Non-Ontario bet $10 get $200
Rest of Canada: 2.55 Odds at Sports Interaction (SIA) - Non-Ontario bet $10 get $200
USA: +160 Odds at GT Bets.
Everyone Else: 2.55 Odds at Sports Interaction (SIA) - Non-Ontario bet $10 get $200
(Odds correct as of 2022/05/20 9:23:32 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Oilers vs Flames Bets:
Scott: Wow. The first game of this Battle of Alberta didn’t disappoint as the Flames won 9-6. The Flames chased Smith from the net after he allowed 3 goals on 10 shots in the first 6 minutes of the 1st period. Early in the 3rd Yamamoto scored to tie the game at 6-6.
I really must sting the Oilers to score 6 goals and not win. This was the highest scoring playoff game since 1993.
I can’t imagine 2 games in a row being that high scoring but there is so much history between these teams that anything can happen. Despite them picking up the win, the Flames need to address their defensive play. Sure it’s nice to score that many goals but when they are playing a team with McDavid and Draisaitl thats not a safe approach. I think with a day off and game 1 in the books the Flames will adjust and win here at home.
Flames win in regulation
Ontario: 1.95 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Rest of Canada: 1.95 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -120 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 1.95 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2022/05/20 9:23:32 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: I mean – you gotta expect a better goaltending performance compared to the last game right? That was an insane one. Flames you would think will focus more on their defense in this game.
But with that atmosphere etc it’s easier said than done. All it takes is a couple of goals to really kick things off and tactics get thrown out the window.
I’m fine with rolling the dice on the over again.
Over 6.5 Goals incl OT
Ontario: 1.83 Odds at 888 Sports.
Rest of Canada: 1.83 Odds at 888 Sports.
USA: -123 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 1.83 Odds at 888 Sports.
(Odds correct as of 2022/05/20 9:23:32 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Is everyone still too young to have heart attacks? LOL
I hope so. This year’s playoffs are the best to watch in several years.
Full game UNDER 7.0: Canes/Rangers
Full game OVER 6.0: Flames/Oilers
Lean: Full game OVER 7.5: Flames/Oilers
Lean: Win moneyline: Flames
Rangers/Canes; can’t pick a side. I expect slightly fewer goals in the Oilers/Flames game, but the fundamentals are still there for lots of scoring. I can’t imagine Edmonton scoring less than 3, nor the Flames scoring fewer than 3. The porous Oilers defense means logically the depth of Flames scoring could net 5 to 7+ again, and the Oilers are now madly trying to avoid getting down 2-0 in the series, so expect lots of highlight clip scenes of Oiler forwards on the rush. Expect more checking and maybe? penalties will increase and stupid penalties be costly. But Oiler defense is porous, their weakness isn’t Smith, it’s that the Flames have access to Smith with good views, rebounds and tick-tack-toe passing lanes, the very opposite of what was experienced with Dallas. How the Oilers attempt to fix that, which they didn’t in the regular season, remains to be seen. Calgary is amazing on the forecheck and with 4 lines that can score. Flames for the win.
I agree – absolutely loving these playoffs. I just hope the Panthers get going to make that series interesting. So many previews and predictions are expecting a tighter defensive unit from the Flames but I don’t think that can stop the Oilers anyway. I hope every game is as crazy as Game 1.