It took an empty-net goal by Tomas Nosek with less than three seconds remaining on the clock, but the Golden Knights did manage to cover the spread (-1.5) in Game 1 for a solid +195 return, while the moneyline bet did what it indicated and returned -140 for the Golden Knights getting the win.
For the total, considering both teams have historically edged toward the over in their respective home/away positions, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see an even-money return on this bet – despite solid goaltending throughout the postseason from Braden Holtby and Marc-Andre Fleury.
Unfortunately, my take on Alex Tuch didn't pan out as he and Lars Eller combined for zero points (Tie +150), which means he also wasn't the scorer of the game-winning goal. That honor fell to Nosek, which made the +350 Field bet the winning option.
Game 2 Odds
Prior to Game 1, the series odds had the Golden Knights favored at -130. With the victory, those odds have improved to -220. This shouldn't come as a surprise when you consider that since the NHL went to seven-game series, the Game 1 winner has lifted Lord Stanley's Cup 78 percent of the time.
Here is what we are looking at for Game 2:
| TEAMS | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL: 5.5 |
| Washington | +1.5 (-220) | +130 | Over (-125) |
| Vegas | -1.5 (+180) | -150 | Under (+105) |
Compared to Game 1, the Moneyline is slightly wider, with Vegas jumping a bit to -150, which is more than just home-ice advantage. The Caps have been road warriors throughout the playoffs (8-3 as the visitors), but the Knights have just one postseason loss within the confines of T-Mobile Arena.
Despite a 10-goal game Monday, the total remains firmly locked in at 5.5. However, the script has flipped as the over – previously even money – now sits at -125. While the return on investment remains subpar, a pair of elite-level netminders coming off bad performances might convince me to take the under for +105.
The spread is locked in at Vegas -1.5, but the odds dropped down to +180, which is still a good deal if you think they can repeat a two-goal win. The prospect of late-game empty netters makes this an intriguing option, especially when you consider three of the Golden Knights' previous five contests have been won by a two-goal margin, thanks to an empty-net goal added at the end of two of those outings.
Puck Line
One of the most popular alternative bets in hockey is the Puck Line. Essentially it boils down to a spread bet in favor of the underdog.
There are only some minor tweaks from Monday's contest when you look at the Puck Line for Game 2. Washington -1.5 will get you +325 and a Golden Knights blow out (-2.5) comes in at +290. Decent return for what the oddsmakers figure will be a closely contested clash, which is exactly what we got in Game 1 with four lead changes in what was essentially a one-goal game prior to the final tally.
Props
Who will record more points in the game?
Here is the matchup that I find the most intriguing for Wednesday's contest:
James Neal (VGK) +160
TJ Oshie (WAS) +150
Tie (+180)
Neal is pointless in three straight games, while Oshie has four points in his last trio of contests, including notching a pair of assists in Game 1. Both should figure into their respective second lines, although David Perron might bump Neal down to a bottom-six role. Still, the 30-year-old Neal has been a 20-goal scorer in 10 of his NHL seasons and knows how to find the back of the net. If you have him winning this matchup, you almost have to take him as a goalscorer for +200.
Braden Holtby total saves in the game: 28.5
In the postseason, the Golden Knights are averaging 31.7 shots, while the Capitals have allowed 28.4 per game. Add in the fact the Lightning – who only tested Holtby 30-plus times once during their seven-game series – finished 11th among playoff teams in shots per game. Tampa's inability to put pucks on net depressed Washington's shots allowed numbers more than anything Holtby's defenders may have done to limit opposing team chances. The numbers strongly favor taking the over (-125). If you like goalie bets, you can also get either netminder to record a shutout at +1000. Long odds for sure, yet Holtby and Fleury have combined for six shutouts this postseason.
Player to score the game winning goal
Sure, the odds on picking which one of the 40 dressed players gets the game-winning goal won't be particularly favorable on any given night, but let's be honest, it's a fun bet to take a flyer on.
As always, there are 18 different players you could pick from with Alex Ovechkin continuing to be the favorite (+750), however the new longshot for Game 2 is David Perron (+2200). The field remains a +350 bet and still includes Nosek who clinched Game 1. In fact, each of the last four goals scored Monday (Tom Wilson, Ryan Reaves, and Nosek twice) were by players that would be included in the field for Wednesday's outing.
