Written by Graeme & Scott on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021
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Another exciting night of NHL playoffs is over with, with two big wins and an incredibly close game.
Bruins vs Capitals went to overtime before the Bruins finally got the win – something both of us predicted which was nice! That was intense.
We had two Game 1s and the two big favourites got big wins. The Hurricanes demolished the Predators 5-2, and the Avs thumped the Blues 4-1 with a big third period.
We have three Game 2s tonight, as the Islanders take on the Penguins, Lightning take on the Panthers and Wild take on the Knights.
Then tomorrow, Oilers vs Jets Game 1 begins and on Thursday, the big Leafs vs Canadiens series begins.
Here’s our thoughts on tonights Game 2s:
Islanders vs Penguins Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: The Isles were down 2-1 after the 2nd but they stayed with it and took the lead in the 3rd and the game went to overtime. Palmieri scored the game winner which was his 2nd of the game.
The Pens can’t afford to go down 2-0 when the series moves to New York for 2 games after this one. Crosby will put the team on his back if he has to and even the series. If Malkin returns then that will also help.
Penguins win incl OT
Graeme: It was a very close Game 1. Penguins were slightly the better team I’d say but it was close enough that they can’t feel hard done by. No confirmation yet on who will be in net for Islanders although Trotz said he trusts both. No doubt after that Sorokin perfomance.
Malkin will not be playing tonight.
Penguins were average on the bounce back this season. Nothing special. This is a massive game for them. A team with this sort of home record just can’t afford to lose both games at home.
Game 1 didn’t change my opinion on this series and I think it’s fine to back the Pens to get the win here.
Penguins win incl OT
Canada: 1.75 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -133 Odds at
Everyone Else: 1.75 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/18 12:28:09 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Lightning vs Panthers Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: This series is going to be great. Game 1 had four lead changes.
Kucherov scored twice after missing the entire season. The Panthers will need to respond big time as if the Lightning win this game I’m not sure how the Panthers will dig their way out of that hole.
I picked the Panthers to win this series but with Kucherov and Stamkos showing no signs of rust it’s going to be tough going forward for the Panthers. They need to even this series tonight.
Panthers win incl OT
Canada: 1.97 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -103 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.97 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/18 12:28:09 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: This is going to be a hell of a series it looks like and I love it.
These two had some bangers during the regular season. Both teams have shown they can score, Panthers are going to be desperate to even it up. As for who weill win? Generally I’d take the team the positive side of the coinflip but we don’t have those odds here. I actually lean Tampa after Game 1.
But I’m going to go with Over 6 incl OT hoping for another big game.
Canada: 2.04 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: +104 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 2.04 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/18 12:28:09 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Wild vs Knights Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: Game 1 was a 1-0 overtime win for the Wild. Both goalies were great in that game.
Another series where the home team can’t afford to take another loss when the series will be shifting locations for games 3 and 4.
The Knights need to find ways to score goals and I’m sure that is what they will do for game 2. So much talent on that team that they will find a way to get some past Talbot who had the shutout in game 1. They need Pacioretty back and fast as he is a crucial piece to the teams success.
Knights win in regulation
Graeme: Loving my Wild +1.5 bet at the moment! I don’t think that’s the last we’ll see of the Wild wins.
Knights were generally a very solid bounce back team during the regular season. I expect we’ll see the same here.
Game 1 was a rather blatant theft by the Wild but hey that’s hockey for ya. It’s amazing the Knights weren’t able to score.
It feels like it’s coming, and I’d have enough confidence in the Knights to do the job tonight. Just didn’t go their way last time out.
Knights in Regulation if Fleury is in net
Canada: 1.95 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -105 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.95 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/18 12:28:09 PM EST but are subject to change.)
I wouldn’t want to be a Penguin this week. They missed the playoffs last year entirely, and in 2019 were swept 4 games straight in Round One by the same opponent as tonight: the New York Islanders. Pittsburgh and Washington are on my “never bet on their games in any way” list. Not feeling the drama from any matchups yet, but I’m sure it will show up soon.
Leans: Vegas +1.0 and Florida +1.0.
…………..and Tampa full game Over 5.5
Yeah they were very hard to back this year knowing recent playoff struggles. It was just one of those things where when I broke it all down it was like goddamn – they were a real hell of a team this season. I see no other way.
I also love Trotz so I am very conflicted.
The sweep was a large part of what made me consider them for the series.
Long time no post. Penguins ML OT -140, Penguins Series +140