The NHL Conference Finals are in full swing, which is making for a ton of NHL betting action.
NHL betting lines are most popular, but there are dozens of props for every game.
Here are two game props to consider for Friday’s Lightning-Rangers Game 2 matchup.
Will Both Teams Score 1 or More Goals in First Period: Yes (+200)
The Rangers and Lightning combined for eight goals in Game 1. Both teams are more likely to score in the second period, but those odds aren’t as juicy. If you’d prefer a bet on the second period, it’s +145.
However, the Rangers have scored 15 first-period goals in 15 games, while the Lightning have 11 in 12 games. Tampa Bay failed to score in the opening frame twice against the Toronto Maple Leafs and twice against the Florida Panthers, while New York didn’t score in the first period twice against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but only once against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Judging by the numbers, the Lightning are less likely to score in the first period than the Rangers, but Tampa Bay will have to come out strong for Game 2 now that they’re down 1-0 in the series.
At +200, there is value on both teams opening Game 2 with a goal.
Which Team Will Be First to Reach 3 Goals (regular time only): Lightning (+125)
Tampa Bay got smoked in the second half of Game 1. The score was even at two goals apiece when Filip Chytil put home two in a row. Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad scored two more for the Rangers in the third.
Four unanswered goals have to be lingering in the back-to-back champions’ minds. The Lightning have yet to lose two in a row these playoffs and didn’t in the previous two postseason runs, so don’t expect them to start now.
Expect Tampa Bay to start the game with a goal and continue pushing until they send a message to the Rangers. Nobody should expect the Stanley Cup champions to be an easy out, and the Bolts have already shown their resilience in these playoffs.
At +125 and under the assumption that the Lightning will win Game 2 (-125), it’s a good bet that they hit the three-goal mark first.
NHL Parlay Picks at BetMGM
BetMGM has you covered not only during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but throughout the NHL season. But the NHL playoffs are the perfect time for making NHL parlay picks in between examining the latest Stanley Cup betting odds.
