Written by Graeme on Saturday, May 20th, 2023
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Both conference finals have led to overtime, which is great to see. That’s what you want: two teams that are very competitive with each other, and it goes to the wire. Entertainment wise, hopefully we see more of that.
Although man – no 4OT please. Some of us actually like sleep.
Today will see the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of their series. Imagine being one of those poor Canes fans at that game 1?
Here are our thoughts on Game 2:
Hurricanes vs Panthers Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: Well if game 1 was any indication then we are in for a great series. It was the 6th longest game in NHL history.
The Canes scored first at the end of the 1st and the Panthers scored twice in the 2nd to take a 2-1 lead into the 3rd. The Canes tied it in the 3rd. Both Canes goals came on the powerplay. Tkachuk scored with 12.7 seconds left in the 4th overtime to win it for the Panthers.
This is the first time the Canes have been down in a series in these playoffs. The Panthers have won their 7th road game in a row.
After playing what amounted to over two games in game 1 these teams are going to be tired.
I would think that the Canes would bounce back and win game 2 but would need to take them in regulation and I can’t do that after that epic game 1.
No Bet
Graeme: It’s an interesting one to look at, as I’m not sure what angle to hit it from. Do you look at how previous games that have went to 3OT and above turned out in the following game? Do we look at Game 2s, how the Canes react to losses, or the home/road split?
BTW I want to mention the Hockey Tactics newsletter which is well worth paying to subscribe to. They release freebies, and here’s a freebie talking about that Panthers goal.
Honestly – for this one, I’m not going to think too hard. I like the Hurricanes, I think they were the better team. But I’m concerned with how that quadruple OT will wear on a team. Especially the goalies.
I have a slight lean on the Canes, but not enough to back them. With the pressure game they play, fatigue could be a factor there.
However in saying that – I dived into some metrics involving how teams perform on back to backs, versus a break. Sure this isn’t a back to back, but it might as well be. And the Panthers actually have pretty darn bad stats compared to rest. This is a team that needs rest, while the Canes thrive on them.
So hey ya know what? It’s the conference finals and bets are going to be hard to come by. I’m going to live a little and relax my generally strict betting requirements. I’m not even going to make this goalie dependent or anything like that.
So I’m going to take the Canes. But I’m going to be a tad restrictive here due to the odds. I’m going with Hurricanes Win in Regulation – Draw No Bet meaning it’s a push if it goes to OT.
This is pretty much ignoring everything else, and focusing on how teams perform with fatigue. Which hey – who even knows how much of a factor that will be.
Ontario: 1.66 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 1.66 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: I didn’t spot it anywhere but if anyone would have it it would be Bovada. I would NOT bet Canes in regulation at +105 or +100. +120 minimum.
Everyone Else: 1.66 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/05/20 10:12:53 AM EST but are subject to change.)
I don’t disagree with Scott and Graeme, but I’m off this because of 1) the parity of these two teams, 2) fatigue will be a factor and I don’t know how that will affect things until I see it. Perhaps little, perhaps shifts in lines or team strategies. Some players may be recovering more fully or faster than others. 3) once fatigue of this magnitude is experienced, that effects everything, so I’m off Over/Under and props too. Game 3 should be closer to a normal performance.
I have heard interviews with NHL players who say that while a back-to-back can be exhausting, the worst actual performances can be the next game after a back-to-back which usually comes after just one day’s rest. That’s when the feeling of fatigue can hit most severely. After 4 overtimes in this sport, which exhausts aerobically as well as demanding anaerobic combat along the boards, accelerations and braking constantly, checking, getting checked, etc., the players will be feeling this and may not be recovered until after this series, since there is no more than one day break between these games. And the public is never told about the play-through injuries, which in the playoffs can be more severe.
Best of luck if you spring on this game.