Stanley Cup Final Game 2 Betting Outlook

The Stanley Cup Final continues Saturday with Game 2 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche. Game time at Ball Arena in Denver is 8 p.m. ET. 

This best-of-seven championship series offers numerous money-making possibilities for those interested in NHL betting.

Game 1 Firepower

Tampa Bay is the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion. Even though the Lightening went down 3-1 early in Game 1, the team rallied with two quick goals to tie the game. Eventually, overtime would be needed to determine the outcome. 

In overtime, the Avalanche wrapped up the victory, as André Burakovsky netted the game-winning goal, sending the puck past Andrei Vasilevskiy. It was an unusual night for the Tampa Bay goalie, who gave up three goals in the opening 20 minutes for the first time in his playoff career.

Keys To Game 2

With a series that got off to such a great start, what’s next in Game 2?

The Lightning and the Avalanche realized after Game 1 this would not be an easy series. One thing became clear: Both teams can score. Tampa Bay and Colorado combined for seven goals, but it could have been more.

The Avalanche scored three of the first four goals. Overall, their expected goals were 2.66 to Tampa Bay’s 1.22 at even strength. The Avalanche controlled possession, too.

How did Colorado respond when Tampa Bay scored twice in a row? The Avalanche went back to playing their style. Players from the Avalanche used their speed and lateral movement to stretch the Lightning defense. 

Power plays were a crucial part of Wednesday night’s opener, and Colorado did strike on one of its opportunities. Tampa Bay must figure out that part of their game (the penalty kill). 

Game 1 featured six combined power-plays. Will Game 2 be more of the same? Tampa Bay must play disciplined if they expect to win Game 2.

Best Prop Bets

Ontario sports bettors should bet wisely for Game 2. Here are a few prop bets to consider:

1. Colorado victory in regulation - 1.91
2. Tampa Bay Lightning Hedge in Regulation Possible - 2.95
3. Colorado / Tampa Bay Over six goals - 1.91
4. Ondřej Palát and Gabriel Landeskog anytime goal - 9.50
5. Steven Stamkos anytime goal - 2.85
6. Ondřej Palát Over 0.5 points - 1.80
7. Valeri Nichushkin Over 2.5 shots - 1.69
8. Victor Hedman Over 2.5 shots - 1.77
9. Both teams score two or more goals in regulation, and Colorado wins - 3.20