Monday night’s hockey was brutal! Will that continue on Tuesday night as two potential grudge match series open? The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will open the festivities. After that, the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers will end the night.
Let us dive into these series openers!
Carolina and Washington Do Not Like Each Other
The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals have a healthy respect but ultimately do not like each other. Carolina and Washington both won twice during the regular season, with Carolina averaging 3.5 goals per game to Washington’s 2.5.
The confirmed goalies are Frederik Andersen and Logan Thompson for the respective sides. Thompson came back from injury during Round 1. Now, Andersen returns after a malady late in Round 1. Both teams did have an extended rest, so the inevitable rust question must be asked.
Here is where predictions get challenging. One of the most significant problems is that as the playoffs get deeper, can Logan Thompson handle the pressure of what is to come? Carolina attacks relentlessly on the forecheck. Washington’s method involves the Alex Ovechkin line and how the Hurricanes may defend against them.
The numbers feel like an epic war is about to descend on bettors. Can Andersen overcome his demons in a long series? This one could go for a while if Washington’s depth scoring supplements the Ovechkin line. Thompson also showed he is the better goaltender in this series, but he did get pulled in Carolina on April 2nd (3 GA on 12 shots).
The problem with predicting the series and Game 1 is that physical elements will be introduced far quicker than anyone expects. The goaltending paint will be one dangerous place. Washington is motivated to open with a win at home. Expect them to rise to the pressure, then win the series.
Our Bets: Washington Capitals in seven games (+500) via DraftKings, +140 for the series
Washington Capitals Game 1 moneyline +105 via DraftKings
Vegas And Edmonton Get Reacquainted
Naturally, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers will play a nightcap on Tuesday night. The first question that gets asked is about the goaltending. Adin Hill was a huge reason why the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup and was instrumental in defeating the Oilers.
Hill was incredible in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinal round. He went 3-1 with a .934 save percentage versus the loaded Oilers. Hill was not nearly as consistent against the Minnesota Wild this year. Vegas knows its goaltender, while Edmonton is in a pickle regarding the upside of Stuart Skinner versus a more “steady” Calvin Pickard.
Also, there is this notion that Edmonton gets off to slow starts in series and even games. It was evident against Los Angeles. Last year, Edmonton went down 3-0 to Florida before coming back. Vegas is also a team that can drop a random home game (see the Minnesota series).
This is what makes predicting the opening game and series intriguing. Game 1 could go to Vegas, while Game 2 could go to Edmonton. Vegas is not Los Angeles, and their special teams should be able to somewhat negate Edmonton’s might on Tuesday night and for most of the series.
Best Picks: Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 goals (+185 via Caesars) and -120 for the series
Game 1 Far Out BestSadly, I was a Sam off on Monday night. However, Tuesday night brings us hope.
With so many options to score a goal to open a series. Naturally, we fall back on Mark Stone. Stone has a knack for scoring in crucial moments. What better way to begin a series than with a goal? Stone closed with a flurry, racking up 10 shots, four points, and goals in consecutive games against Minnesota.
Do not expect outrageous production from Stone here, but the opening marker is at a reasonable number.
Pick: Mark Stone first goal scorer for Vegas (+1500 via BetMGM)
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