Written by Graeme on Friday, May 31st, 2024
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Another tight game last night between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers. Scott was able to call that one correctly, as the Panthers managed to squeak the very important victory.
The potential final game between those two will take place on Saturday night.
Tonight we see the Oilers and the Stars face off in Game 5 of their tight series. The Oilers got a big victory in Game 4 which will help their confidence as they head back to Dallas.
Here are our thoughts:
Scott: The Stars were up 2-0 early in the 1st but the Oilers scored the next 4 goals unanswered and were up 4-2 after the 2nd. They added an empty net at the end and held on for the 5-2 win.
The Oilers managed to hold the Stars shot count down again. They had only 6 in the 1st, 8 in the 2nd and 7 in the 3rd. They need to continue to do that to help Skinner out.
With game 5 back in Dallas and the series tied the Stars need to win this game in a series that has had lots of momentum swings. They can’t let the Oilers win and have a chance to win the series on home ice.
Stars win incl overtime
Ontario: 1.77 Odds at Sports Interaction
Canada: 1.77 Odds at Sports Interaction
USA: -125 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 1.76 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2024/05/31 5:57:21 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: Well I said it last time – by the metrics, the Oilers were the better team in the series and I felt good backing them there. This one is a bit tighter though.
The series is going back and forth with neither team able to take over. It’s in Dallas. And really, the odds on the Oilers just aren’t that good. They are underdogs but barely.
I was looking at a goal in the 1st period odds, but they really aren’t that good. I expect this to be a fast start. Dallas looking to take control of the game, the Oilers looking to carry their momentum.
So for this one rather than no bet, I’m going to go out on a limb with a nice juicy odds play.
I’m going to bet Period 1 the Highest Scoring Period. Honestly, I haven’t even really crunched the data on this one to see how likely it is. Just another gut play, which is what the playoffs often are.
Ontario: 4.25 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 4.80 Odds at Bovada
USA: 4.80 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 4.25 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2024/05/31 5:57:21 AM EST but are subject to change.)
OVER 3.5 shots: McDavid
OVER 0.5 points: Bouchard
People are making a big thing out of Tanev missing today’s game, and as of early morning his playing status is not yet stated clearly. If he’s out, the idea is that McDavid releases a blizzard of shots. Tanev has a huge impact on a game, he is a top defensive controller, he’s smart, fast, clears the zone well, he makes his defensive partners more effective, and he’s big and good along the boards, while rarely taking penalties.
If Tanev plays, he’ll likely play at something like 80% of his norm, but that remains to be seen.
I expect the Oilers to be prepared for both scenarios. Dallas might be smart to keep Tanev out one game if it can make a big difference in his ability to again block shots and be at full mobility from then on. It’s likely a decision based on “play if at all possible”.
I’m looking at Dallas player props, but it’s tough, as they’re spreading their offense around and the cutoff points are right where it’s likely to land, so tough to pick Over or Under a certain count.