The nights start blending as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue. It did not help that the Minnesota-Vegas game ended close to 2:00 am EDT on the East Coast. With another game in Los Angeles tonight, that means another late night. Therefore, let us get to work.
Wednesday allows us to head in some other directions. It will be brief but a fun adventure.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Picks and Player Props
Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals Player Props
The Montreal Canadiens provided quite a showing in Game 1 of their series against the Washington Capitals. Montreal forced overtime before Alex Ovechkin stole the show and scored his first career playoff overtime goal. This seems crazy until it makes sense. What could Game 2 provide among the players?
Logan Thompson and Sam Montembeault provided bettors with a decent goalie duel in Game 1. Do we see 67 combined shots again? That is the big question. Washington’s defense over the last several weeks has been suspect. Thankfully, Thompson was up to the task.
Now, Montreal’s attack came at a price. Everyone wants to talk about Lane Hutson’s mistake(s), but what about the success? Hutson is a dynamic player, much like Dylan Strome is. Both teams struggled to contain these players all night. No one should be surprised that the two played such an impactful role..Numbers are everywhere with these four players, and even Alex Ovechkin, too. Hutson averages 0.75 assists per game, and Strome stands at 0.67. Both players could again get at least one helper. Their odds are at a reasonable -110 and -105, respectively.
However, the best bet is the goalie save prop for Logan Thompson. If Montreal pushes like they did during the third period on Monday, the Capitals’ goalie will have to be at his best.
Picks: Logan Thompson Over 22.5 saves (-125) via DraftKings, Dylan Strome Over 0.5 assists (-105) via DraftKings
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Player And Game Props
Naturally, exploring various avenues is an adventure. Sometimes, this carries even more risk in the postseason. Dallas extended the series with a win in Game 2. This may sound crazy, but it’s not. Colorado likely would have seized a stranglehold if they had won both games in Dallas. Colorado still holds an advantage, but one can never be certain.
Dallas needs to outscore some of its issues to win this series. That seemingly lends a hand to Colorado. The goal total is again 6.5 goals on Wednesday night. Now, the over/under 3.5 goals for Colorado is at -120, which is equivalent to Colorado winning in regulation, thanks to BetMGM.
Then, there is Cale Makar. Makar missed five shots in Game 1 and had six shots in Game 2, which was a boon for shot prop analysts. What about Game 3? When do the points come? Cale Makar stands at +280 to score a goal. From a defenseman who tallied 30 times during the regular season, this is worth a look.
Also, do not forget about MacKenzie Blackwood. One or both goalies could face 30+ shots again, and Blackwood to make 28 saves comes in at +190 currently.
Best Prop: Cale Makar anytime goal (+280 via BetMGM)
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings Props
The final Wednesday night game may have been the most exciting opener since the one between Calgary and Edmonton a couple of years ago. Edmonton came back from a significant deficit in the third period only to be denied overtime anyway. The 6-5 win by Los Angeles creates drama for Game 2.
Both teams can score and possess an abundance of talent. There are numerous options, ranging from power play to even strength to multiple points. Anyway, the goal of our picks is to keep things simple.
The best prop from this game may be the one that makes the most sense. Leon Draisaitl scored in Game 1, and the expectation is that he does again in Game 2. The first goal comes in at +950 and has a boost on Caesars to +1100. Anytime goal lies at +130.
Pick: Leon Draisaitl first goal (+1100 via Caesars)
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