Tonight in the NHL, we’re in for a thrilling lineup of three playoff games. Let’s delve into the matchups that promise excitement and highlight some intriguing player props worth your attention.
Matchups:
Boston Bruins @ Toronto Maple Leafs
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Series: Boston Bruins 1 – Toronto Maple Leafs 1
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Boston Bruins | -115 | -108 | +1.5 (-278) | o6.0 (-102) |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | -105 | -112 | -1.5 (+225) | u6.0 (-118) |
Following Boston’s victory in Game 1, the Leafs leveled the series by clinching a 3-2 win in the second game. Auston Matthews emerged as Toronto’s standout player, playing a pivotal role in all three of the Leafs’ goals. Meanwhile, Ilya Samsonov showed significant improvement in Game 2, recording a +0.51 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx). The Bruins opted for Linus Ulmark in the second game, which didn’t yield favorable results as he ended with a -0.03 GSAx, contrasting Jeremy Swayman’s stellar performance in the series opener.
As for William Nylander, despite participating in Leafs’ practices, he has yet to make an appearance in this postseason, with his status for Game 3 remaining uncertain
BOS: Jeremy Swayman [CONFIRMED]
TOR: Ilya Samsonov [CONFIRMED]
Vegas Golden Knights @ Dallas Stars
- Time: 9:30 PM ET
- Series: Vegas Golden Knights 1 – Dallas Stars 0
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +120 | +136 | +1.5 (-192) | o6.0 (-108) |
| Dallas Stars | -142 | -162 | -1.5 (+160) | u6.0 (-112) |
In the series opener, the Vegas Golden Knights secured a victory despite being outshot 29-15. Jake Oettinger faced challenges in the net for Dallas, concluding the game with a -1.18 GSAx (Goals Saved Above Expected). Notably, Mark Stone made a remarkable return, scoring in his first game back since suffering a lacerated spleen on Feb. 20. Additionally, Noah Hanifin, acquired late in the season, and Jack Eichel both contributed with two assists each for the Golden Knights.
VGK: Logan Thompson [CONFIRMED]
DAL: Jake Oettinger [CONFIRMED]
Los Angeles Kings @ Edmonton Oilers
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Series: Los Angeles Kings 0 – Edmonton Oilers 1
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Los Angeles Kings | +150 | +160 | +1.5 (-115) | o6.0 (-115) |
| Edmonton Oilers | -180 | -192 | -1.5 (+130) | u6.0 (-105) |
In the opening game of the series, the Edmonton Oilers asserted their dominance, spearheaded by Connor McDavid’s exceptional performance with five assists. Zach Hyman capitalized on McDavid’s playmaking prowess, notching a hat-trick, while Evan Bouchard shone with four assists. Leon Draisaitl and Adam Henrique also made significant contributions, each securing multi-point performances. Adrian Kempe stood out as the sole player on the Kings to tally more than one point.
However, goaltending proved to be a challenge for both teams. Cam Talbot struggled between the pipes for Los Angeles, ending the game with a -1.57 GSAx. Similarly, Stuart Skinner faced difficulties for the Oilers, finishing with a -0.58 GSAx.
LAK: Cam Talbot [CONFIRMED]
EDM: Stuart Skinner [CONFIRMED]
Same Game Parlay:
- Auston Matthews over 4.5 Shots on Goal + Max Domi over 1.5 Shots on Goal (+144) – DraftKings
Despite the series standing tied at 1-1, the Maple Leafs have consistently outshot the Bruins in both of the initial two games. In Game 1, Toronto outshot Boston 36-24, and in Game 2, they maintained the trend with a 34-29 shot advantage.
As the series shifts to Toronto for Game 3 after the first two matchups in Boston, the Maple Leafs hold home-ice advantage. In the regular season, Toronto ranked 7th in Shots For per Game (SF/GP), averaging 32.6, while the Bruins ranked 22nd in Shots Against per Game (SA/GP), averaging 30.5. Additionally, at home, the Maple Leafs have been even more prolific, averaging 33.07 SF/GP, while the Bruins have struggled defensively on the road, averaging 31.68 SA/GP.
Auston Matthews has consistently logged over 4.5 shots on goal in both of the series’ initial games. With Nylander absent from the lineup and Marner yet to make a significant impact, the Maple Leafs’ aspirations of advancing beyond the first round hinge heavily on Matthews’ performance. Moreover, Matthews’ recent form has been stellar, bolstered by his impressive track record against Boston, where he has recorded over 4.5 shots in seven of their last eight matchups.
Max Domi has earned a spot on Toronto’s top line alongside Auston Matthews and Tyler Bertuzzi. He has consistently registered over 1.5 shots on goal in both of the series’ opening games. Domi has also showcased strong performance at home recently, tallying over 1.5 shots on goal in four of his last five games. Additionally, his history against Boston is noteworthy, having recorded over 1.5 shots in each of his last five matchups against them.
Player Props:
- Jason Robertson over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-135) – DraftKings
Jason Robertson occupies a key role on Dallas’ top line alongside Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski, forming a formidable trio. Furthermore, he plays a significant part in Dallas’ first Powerplay unit, which is expected to capitalize on numerous opportunities in tonight’s game. In the opening match, the Stars had a couple of Power Play opportunities, setting the stage for Robertson and his teammates to make an impact.
Robertson has consistently met his shots on goal quota in four out of his last five games. In the opening game, he managed three shots on goal out of seven shot attempts and also led Dallas forwards in ice time. Additionally, Robertson boasts an impressive track record against Vegas, recording over 2.5 shots on goal in five of their last seven encounters.
In Game 1, the Stars outshot the Golden Knights 29 to 15. Following their loss in the first game, the Stars will be determined to bounce back in Game 2. Expect them to once again come out with a strong offensive presence, aiming to turn the tide in their favor.
- Connor McDavid over 1.5 Points (-130) – DraftKings
Connor McDavid delivered an exceptional performance in the series opener, achieving a remarkable feat by becoming just the 13th player in NHL history to register five assists in a playoff game, marking the first occurrence since 1998.
McDavid’s recent performance highlights his remarkable consistency, having surpassed 1.5 points in seven of his last ten games overall and an impressive nine out of ten games when playing at home. Additionally, his track record against the Los Angeles Kings is equally impressive, with over 1.5 points in nine of their last ten encounters.
With the Oilers poised for a deep postseason run, McDavid’s continued excellence will be crucial. Despite the Kings’ potential shift back to a neutral zone trap strategy in Game 2, McDavid’s skillset presents a challenge for such defensive tactics. His ability to navigate through opposition players and create scoring opportunities remains unmatched, even against a 1-3-1 setup, often leaving him in advantageous one-on-one situations against defenders.
Given the Oilers’ superiority over the Kings, they will be keen to assert their dominance and prevent any chance of a comeback in the series. Expect McDavid to once again showcase his exceptional talent and play a pivotal role in maintaining Edmonton’s momentum.
Linemate and Shot Propz provide all Player Prop Data.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
