Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights betting preview
Starting Goalies
Stars: Anton Khudobin - playoffs - 8-5, 2.94 GAA, .909 SV% (season – 16-8, 2.79 GAA, .930 SV%)
Golden Knights: Robin Lehner - playoffs – 8-4, 1.99 GAA, .918 SV% (season – 19-10, 2.89, .920 SV%)
Khudobin returned to fill in for starter Ben Bishop during the past two games, as Bishop remains unfit to play, and he’s been… adequate. By the way, is there a more damning word than “adequate?” Such a slap in the face! I’m a jerk! Anyway, the 34-year-old has given up eight goals during that two-game stretch, and while Colorado had the highest-scoring offense in the West during the regular season, Khudobin can’t afford to be that leaky against Vegas.
Lehner has improved his numbers in the bubble, putting to bed any thought that veteran Marc-Andre Fleury might re-establish himself as the team’s number one netminder. Lehner also has benefitted from a stingy Vegas defense—he faced only 14 Vancouver shots in Friday’s Game 7.
Injuries
Stars: Ben Bishop G (ques), Taylor Fedun D (ques), Andrew Cogliano C (ques), Stephen Johns D (out), Roman Polak D (out), Martin Hanzal C (out)
Golden Knights: Karl Alzner D (out)
Get the latest NHL injury updates.
Moneyline Pick
While Dallas is averaging a robust 4.0 goals per game during the postseason, Lehner and the Vegas defense is a different animal than seeing Cam Talbot or Michael Hutchinson between the pipes. The Golden Knights would have closed out their series earlier against the Canucks if not for Thatcher Demko’s unbelievable play, and I’m betting Vegas will be thrilled when they see Khudobin on the ice.
I think Vegas makes a statement in this game, and I’ll gladly pay a lower price for the Cup favorites to win in regulation.
PREDICTION: Knights ML (-110)
Over/Under Pick
While the Stars are well-regarded for their defense, they haven’t been nearly as effective inside the bubble, allowing 3.77 goals per game—a significant drop-off from their 2.52 mark during the regular season, which was second-best in the league. The Over is 7-1 in Dallas’ last eight games, and a dangerous Vegas attack should push this game past the number.
PREDICTION: Over 5.5 (-130)
Prop pick
I don’t think it can be overstated how brilliant Demko was against the Golden Knights during the semifinals. While the Stars are indeed a great story, they are simply overmatched here. Vegas has incredible depth, with 11 different players who have scored during the playoffs. The Knights should win this game handily, and I’m looking for a quick start as well.
PREDICTION: Knights first period ML (+138)
Stars vs Golden Knights Betting Card
- Knights ML (-110)
- Over 5.5 (-130)
- Knights first period ML (+138)
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