NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Here are tonight’s NHL predictions and best bets for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.
Carolina Hurricanes (-110) at Vegas Golden Knights (-110)
Series tied 1-1
8 p.m. ET
For the first time in Stanley Cup history, the first two games have seen each team coming back, trailing by multiple goals. The Golden Knights had an opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead only to see the Hurricanes score three goals in the final 9:40 of the third period, erasing a 2-0 deficit, take a 3-2 lead, and eventually win in overtime, 4-3. The loss also ended the Golden Knights seven game winning streak in the playoffs. The series now shifts to Vegas for Games Three and Four, and one question surrounding the Golden Knights is the status of defenseman Brayden McNabb, who was forced to leave Game Two after taking a slapshot to the face. McNabb was taken to a local hospital, but he did fly home with the team. There was no update from Knights head coach John Tortorella on Friday.
One trend that is working in favor of Vegas heading into tonight’s Game Three is that they have won seven consecutive odd-numbered series games in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs and have lost back-to-back games only once since Torts took over behind the Vegas bench (Games Two and Three to Utah). Despite the loss to Carolina in game two, the Knights scored three goals on Canes goalie Freddie Andersen for the eighth consecutive time. After surrendering two or fewer goals in 12 of their first 13 playoff games, the Hurricanes have now given up three goals or more in each of the first two games of the series.
The Vegas team total (Over 2.5) has jumped from (-125) in Game Two up to (-160) in Game Three. To the surprise of many, we have had 16 combined goals through the first two games, and while game two had no business going Over the total (5.5 or 6) with Vegas leading 2-0 with less than 10 minutes to play in regulation, I can only play the full game Over the total. With both games in this series being decided by one goal, that makes 10 of Carolina’s 15 playoff games having been decided by two goals or less, and for the Golden Knights, 15 of their 18 playoff games have had a margin of victory by two or fewer goals. Give me both teams’ alternate puck line (2.5) along with the Over 5.5 goals at a nice plus money price.
In addition to Freddie Andersen’s propensity to surrender goals to the Vegas Golden Knights, Vegas goalie Carter Hart has given up two goals or more in nine of his last 11 games. On to a couple of player props. Brett Howden continued his magical goal-scoring prowess in Game Two, scoring twice and continues to lead all players with 13 goals after scoring just 12 in 58 regular season games. Sportsbooks have finally woken up, and Howden, who was (+390) for an anytime goal in Game Two is down to (+270) in Game Three. It is the first time that I can recall Howden being under (+300) for an anytime goal. Carolina’s Jordan Martinook and the Knights’ William Karlsson each have had at least two shots on goal in three straight and seven of their last 10 games.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Brett Howden anytime goal (+270) – .10 units
Karlsson/Martinook each 2+ shots on goal (+204) – 1 unit
Golden Knights Team Total Over 2.5 (-160) – 2 units
Carolina +2.5/Vegas +2.5/Over 4.5 (+105) – 2 units
Carolina +2.5/Vegas +2.5/Over 5.5 (+187) – 1 unit
