Golden Knights vs Stars Game 2 Prediction, Odds & Starting Goalies (Apr. 24)

Apr 22, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) waits for the face-off against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

• The Golden Knights and Stars play Game 2 on Wednesday Night
• The Wednesday NHL odds favor Dallas to even the series
• Read below for Knights vs Stars prediction, odds and starting goalies

The Dallas Stars will look to even their first-round playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights when the two teams face off in Game 2 at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET with the game televised on ESPN.

The Stars enter as -153 moneyline favorites, while the Golden Knights are +135 underdogs. The over/under is set at 6 goals.

Let’s get into our Knights vs Stars prediction, as we analyze the odds and starting goalies for Game 2.

Knights vs Stars Odds – Game 2

Dallas is a -135 moneyline favorite over Vegas in the Game 2 NHL odds, giving them a 61.5% implied win probability.

 

Odds as of April 24, 2024, at Bet365 Sportsbook. Claim the Bet365 sign up bonus to bet on Knights vs Stars.

Game 1 Recap

The Vegas Golden Knights stole home-ice advantage with a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 on Monday. Vegas jumped out to a 3-1 first-period lead on goals by Mark Stone, Jonathan Marchessault and Tomas Hertl.

The Stars battled back, outshooting the Knights 29-15 for the game, but couldn’t find the equalizer after Mason Marchment’s third-period tally made it 4-3. Jake Oettinger struggled in net for Dallas, allowing four goals on just 15 shots.

Stars Betting Outlook

Despite the loss, there were positives for the Stars to build on as they look to even the series. Dallas outshot Vegas 29-15, including a 19-7 edge over the final two periods. The top line of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski combined for a goal and two assists, while Jamie Benn led the team with seven shots on goal.

Roberton has thrived against Vegas in the postseason, notching six career playoff goals against the Knights. The Stars as a team had the second-highest-scoring offense in the regular season at 3.67 goals per game.

Stanky with the pickpocket, Robo with the stunner!!! pic.twitter.com/0Rgj1QQ4VM

— z – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 23, 2024

The key for Dallas will be a bounce-back performance from Oettinger. The 24-year-old was brilliant in last year’s playoffs with a 1.81 GAA and .954 save percentage. He went 37-11-11 with a 2.37 GAA and .919 save percentage this season.

The Stars have also been tough to beat at home, going 26-11-4 at American Airlines Center.

Golden Knights Betting Outlook

Vegas has to be thrilled with the Game 1 win, especially considering it was Mark Stone’s first game back after missing two months with a lacerated spleen. The Knights captain scored just 26 seconds in and gives them another dangerous offensive weapon.

HE’S BACK! 👀

Mark Stone scores in his return to the lineup to give the Golden Knights the early lead! pic.twitter.com/ViFeb0i7qi

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 23, 2024

Jonathan Marchessault and Tomas Hertl also scored, continuing their playoff success. Vegas went 2-for-2 on the power play and Logan Thompson made 26 saves for his first career playoff win.

The Golden Knights ranked 14th in goals per game (3.26) during the regular season but have the forward depth to match the Stars with Stone back in the lineup. They also owned the 11th-best defense, allowing 2.74 goals against per game. That unit is anchored by Alex Pietrangelo and a strong blueline.

Game 2 Golden Knights vs Stars Prediction

The Stars showed their resilience by nearly battling all the way back in Game 1 despite a disastrous start. Look for them to put together a more complete effort on home ice in Game 2. The top line will lead the way offensively, while Oettinger should rebound with a strong performance between the pipes.

Dallas has been tough to beat in their building all season and that should continue here as they even the series. Back the Stars on the moneyline and consider the under as well in what should be a tightly contested, lower-scoring affair than the opener.

VGK vs DAL Picks:

• Stars ML (-160)
• Under 6 Goals (-115)

 

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