The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue Wednesday with three games on the board, including a pair of Game 2s in the Western Conference. In the lone Eastern Conference contest, a pivotal Game 3 takes place north of the border. All odds via The Boston Bruins are still looking to erase last season’s epic meltdown in their first-round loss to the Florida Panthers where they blew a 3-1 series lead. This year, the Bruins captured the series opener with ease against the Toronto Maple Leafs but lost a 3-2 decision in Game 2 at home. The series is tied at 1-1 heading to Scotiabank Arena. Auston Matthews led the NHL with 69 goals this season and scored the game-winner for the Leafs in Monday’s comeback victory at TD Garden. That win snapped an eight-game skid to Boston dating back to January 2023. The Bruins won both matchups at Toronto this season, while scoring four goals in each of those victories. Two seasons ago, Boston lost all four road games in its first-round series defeat at Carolina, but went 2-1 in the three away contests at Florida to bounce back last season. The Maple Leafs picked up only one home win in six tries in the playoffs last year, while going 0-3 at home off a victory. Let’s back the Bruins as a short underdog to grab a win in Game 3.
Vegas knocked Dallas out of the playoffs last season in the Western Conference Final, but these teams are hooking up in Round 1 this time around. The Stars finished with the best record in the West, while Vegas closed with the fewest points of any playoff team in the conference. That didn’t stop the Golden Knights from stealing home ice advantage with a 4-3 triumph in the series opener. Vegas won in spite of getting outshot 29-15 as the Knights scored three goals in the opening period. Dallas has lost all four matchups with Vegas this season, although three of the defeats are by one goal. The Stars limited the Golden Knights to seven shots on goal in the final two periods in Game 1, as Dallas needs to do again to avoid the early deficit. Let’s go with the Stars as a home favorite to rebound tonight and even their series with the Golden Knights.
The Oilers rolled past the Kings in the series opener, 7-4, as Edmonton jumped out to a quick 4-0 advantage. Edmonton eliminated Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs last season and the Kings are looking to avoid a similar fate this time around. The Kings have dropped four of five matchups with the Oilers this season, including three straight losses at Edmonton. Oilers star Connor McDavid dished out five assists in the Game 1 win, while Zach Hyman posted a hat trick in the victory. Although L.A. has had its problems with Edmonton, this line is still very heavy to lay with the home team around the -190 mark. Let’s back Los Angeles as a road underdog here to knot up the series at 1-1.
