Saturday’s NHL slate foreshadows the inevitable, as we are down to one lonesome game. The in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers were afforded an off-day, meaning that the Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues is the only contest on the docket.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of opportunities for NHL betting in addition to looking at NHL betting lines.
Here are two game prop bets to consider.
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues – Most Goals, First Period +260
We’ve become accustomed to quick starts in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Although there hasn’t been excessive scoring, the Blues and Avs have come out flying in the first two games of the series.
Eight of their combined 12 high-danger chances at five-on-five came in the first period of Game 2; however, both teams were held off the scoreboard. I am anticipating a similar start, albeit with more goals, as the Blues maximize their home-ice advantage on Saturday night.
On Thursday, St. Louis managed nine total high-danger chances, with six coming in the first stanza. That’s been the case more often than not this postseason, with the Blues pouring things on the first and then tightening things up defensively to limit their opponents’ chances.
The Avs have been prone to hot starts, as well. The first 20 minutes have been the highest-scoring period in two of the Avs’ six games, recording two or more goals in the opening frame in all but two of those contests.
Both teams will be looking for a quick start in Game 3. The Avalanche will be looking to shake off their poor effort from Thursday night, while the Blues will stick to their playoff MO and stake themselves to an early lead, squashing any chance of an avalanche of momentum for the visitors. At +260, it’s worth an investment that the first period is the highest scoring.
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues – Both Teams to Score in the First Period +150
If you’re looking for a correlated, plus-money approach that could potentially work as a hedging option, it’s worth dipping into both teams to score in the first period at +150.
As noted, a quick start is anticipated on Saturday night, with amplified offensive analytics. Improved production metrics will lead to increased scoring, and with neither team willing to find themselves in a hole, we should see a responsive effort after a goal.
It’s also worth noting that we’ve seen both teams find the back of the net in the first, in three of the Avs’ six postseason games, including both contests they played on the road. The Blues have been less reliable, although we have seen both teams tally in the opening period in two of their past five.
I am betting both teams find the back of the net early in Game 3.
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.
