It is Game 1 between two of the best teams in the Western Conference. We are expecting goals along with the Dallas Stars’ top shot-taker Wyatt Johnston to get some shots on the net.
Let’s take a closer look at the matchup’s analysis before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks.
Top NHL Pick: Over 5.5 (-130) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars
Thursday, May 23, 2024 – 08:30 PM ET at American Airlines Centre
Get Your Popcorn Out
This is the thriller we were hoping for in this Western Conference final and we are expecting a lot of goals to feature in each game. This really is going to be a Popcorn sort of series.
Combined, both these teams have seen 6.5 goals per game and an average of 5.7 goals allowed per game throughout the playoffs. Although the first game of a series in the Conference finals tends to be low scoring, we believe both these teams can get on the scoreboard multiple times and at the very least we see 6+ goals scored.
When looking at players’ props, our eyes move towards Wyatt Johnston and his low shot line at 2.5. Despite laying a significant amount of juice on this line, Johnston has been in very strong form in front of the crease this post-season, averaging 3.4 shots per game.
Johnston has seen 3+ shots in 8 of his 13 playoff games and is currently on a 3-0 streak. Johnston has been strong in front of the net against the Oilers this season, averaging 4 shots per game he has seen 3+ shots in every game against Edmonton this season.
Pick 1
Johnston has been the Stars’ top shot taker this post-season. Although we are laying juice at -130 NHL betting odds, we would happily play it to -140. We love laying juice on this 2.5 line, as opposed to betting over 3.5 for around +110.
NHL Pick: Wyatt Johnston Over 2.5 Shots (-130) at BetOnline
Pick 2
We are looking at two strong offensive teams here. Throughout the regular season, they ended up as the 3rd and 4th highest goalscorers averaging 7.2 goals per game.
This 5.5 line could be a steal given what might be to come in this series. The -130 juice could be on a 6.5 line in game three or four, so let’s see if we can find six goals here on the over 5.5 line. It is likely to be the best odds we get on the over this series.
NHL Pick: Over 5.5 (-130) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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