Stars vs. Flames Game 2 Odds
| Stars Odds | +190 |
| Flames Odds | -240 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Dallas Stars will look to avenge their Game 1 loss on Thursday night when they get back onto the ice to face the Calgary Flames.
Elias Lindholm kicked off the scoring in Game 1 for Calgary, scoring on the first power play of the series to take an early 1-0 lead. However, that would end up being the only puck that found the back of the net, as Game 1 was highlighted by great defense and goaltending from Jacob Markstrom and Jake Oettinger.
A sub-par scoring attack was Dallas' weakness for a majority of the regular season and those struggles appear to have followed them into the playoffs, at least for Game 1. Will we be able to see the Stars get over the hump and tie this series up at 1-1, or will a well-rounded Flames team grab another win on home ice and take a 2-0 lead before traveling to Dallas for Game 3?
Dallas Stars
Despite missing a handful of games, Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz both finished the season in the top-20 in goals scored, with 41 and 37 total goals.
However, those totals led the Stars by a large margin and, as previously mentioned, that level of scoring did not rub off on many of their teammates.
During the regular season, Dallas ranked 30th overall in Goals For per 60 minutes, according to Natural Stat Trick. Only the Blackhawks and Sharks (2.21) ranked worse. The Stars did a great job of generating scoring opportunities (12.2 High Danger Chances per 60 minutes in 5-on-5), but their execution and efficiency was among the worst in the NHL.
That lack of efficiency made yet another appearance in Game 1 on Tuesday night, a game in which the Stars failed to score a goal and put just 16 total shots on goal. Those numbers simply aren't enough to remain competitive in the postseason and not providing much help to the goaltender will likely make things difficult against the Flames.
Luckily, Jake Oettinger has been reliable in net when given the opportunity and in Game 1 he was responsible for keeping Dallas in the mix up until the final horn. The 23-year old saved 25 of the 26 shots he faced and is likely going to be the starter in net for this game as well.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames only scored one goal in Game 1, but this is an offensive attack that can put pucks in the back of the net at will.
During the 82-game regular season, the Flames scored a total of 196 goals in 5-on-5 situations, ranking sixth in the NHL. This is also a squad that ranked fifth in Expected Goals For per 60 minutes (xGF/60) in 5-on-5 with 2.79. Despite only netting one puck in Game 1, this scoring attack is one of the best in the league.
In addition, Calgary has been great at defending the blue line, which has taken some pressure off of Jacob Markstrom in net.
According to Natural Stat Trick, the Flames rank No. 1 in the NHL in Goals Allowed per 60 minutes in 5-on-5 with 2.1, just slightly ahead of the Canucks, Hurricanes and Rangers. That has coincided with allowing just 29 shots on goal per game (fifth fewest in the NHL) and led to allowing the Stars just 16 shots on goal in Game 1.
Markstrom is once again expected to get the start in net for Game 2, which is great news for the Flames and puts them in a great position to go up 2-0 before heading to Dallas.
Stars vs. Flames Pick
The Flames have the edge over the Stars when it comes to talent and depth, but I think this is another game in which to look at the total.
The Stars and Flames faced off three times in the regular season and saw at least six goals in each game. However, I think this is another prime spot to take the under.
Markstrom and Oettinger were the starters in just one of those regular-season games and that games was sitting under the total of six goals until the final 25 seconds when Andrew Mangiapane scored the sixth goal of the game.
I have a hard time trusting the Stars offense to score many goals, especially with Markstrom in net once again. I think this total stays under 5.5.
Pick: Total Under 5.5 (-105)
