Do the Dallas Stars Have Calgary's Number? Bet on It

Leading Off, Oh No Calgary, Oh No!

Something one just has to wonder is maybe, just maybe, Dallas has Calgary’s number. All year, Calgary was an entertaining, higher-paced team at home. Through two games of their first-round series with the Dallas Stars, this has been kindly an exercise in watching “trapped in a box”.

It was a brutal game for optics where after 40 minutes, there was just that one goal. Yes, Calgary did pick things up somewhat in the third period but were still getting drawn into Dallas’ way of playing. Dallas knows what works because it did two years ago. What is scary is that the Stars have taken this to another level.

Maybe the Stars will pick up the pace in Dallas as they average over three goals a game there. That’s the hope. On the other hand, with things working so well, this grind it out series might take on new levels of muck and ugly. It might not be too long before the Over slips to 5.0 Canadian sports bettors. Be aware of that.

So, What About Toronto?

Tampa Bay and Toronto are tied at one in their best-of-seven series. The scene shifts to Tampa Bay this weekend for the next two contests. The Toronto Maple Leafs on the moneyline and the Over of 6.5 goals are still right around 2.00. Little has changed since the odds have opened for wagerers. That is good news. 

Now, the challenge is that the Over was a given to hit. Can this happen one more time? Maybe, there is another direction or two to go. Tampa Bay, being at home, might relax a little. One of the aspects to like and pick around here with offensive stars is this. Do not forget shot, save and point props. Look later on this morning and early this afternoon as they come out and/or update. 

Current numbers have Toronto at an unattractive puckline. Is this the game Steven Stamkos wakes up? The Ontario native looked a bit lost in the first two games with just two shots on goal, and a few lower-danger scoring chances. That expects to change in Game 3.

Here are some bets to consider:

• First period both teams to score – 2.50
• Steven Stamkos anytime goal – 2.45
• Steven Stamkos two or more goals – 8.00
• Auston Matthews Over 0.5 points – 1.43
• Morgan Rielly Over 0.5 points – 2.00

Edmonton Heads Off to “La-La” Land

Now, what do we do for the Ontario and Canadian sports wagerer for Game 3 when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings? Game 1 saw Los Angeles stay in the contest and pounce on Mike Smith's mistakes. Game 2 saw Edmonton be the opportune team and make Los Angeles repeatedly pay for their transgressions.

Yes, the Under hit in Game 2 but that is only because Los Angeles had some awful luck with the puck. It happens. This series has featured a faster pace and now has turned to give Edmonton a larger turn as a favourite at 1.40 to 1.45. It was even after Game 1 and that might have been the time to pounce. 

Let’s do a quick hedge bet or two on the number of games this series goes.

• The series ends in six games (2.60), and seven games (3.50)
• Edmonton wins 4-2 (3.80)

So, the key is not to worry about records as much as units. So, this is about chasing units a bit. 

The hope is Los Angeles is able to split these next two games and give a chance at some better, more favourable odds. After all, plus-money is better than those overwhelming negative numbers on the board. 

More Friday Night Quick Hits

This is where it is fun to look at some other NHL action. The nice thing about tonight’s schedule is you have options. Here are a few picks and leans. 

• St. Louis Blues in 60 moneyline – 2.20
• Kevin Fiala anytime goal – 2.95
• David Perron anytime goal and St. Louis win – 6.00
• Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points – 1.95
• David Pastrnak shot prop Over 4.5 shots - check this one, could change.
• Adrian Kempe anytime goal – 2.85 
• Carolina Hurricanes Over 2.5 goals – 1.71 
• Lastly, look at save props in Edmonton and Los Angeles later.

As always, bet thinking upstairs but not in the clouds. Good luck tonight and let’s have some fun!