Check out our Golden Knights vs. Stars Game 4 best bets from our crew of hockey experts for Thursday, May 25.
The 2022-23 NHL postseason rolls on with tonight's Vegas vs. Dallas game (8 p.m., ESPN). With the Knights up 3-0 in the series, tonight could be an elimination game as the Stars try to stay alive.
Below, check out our hockey crew's top picks, including a pair or player prop bets, for the Western Conference Final game.
Joe Pavelski Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+135)
Ryan Dadoun: The Dallas Stars suffered a frustrating 4-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday to put them down 3-0 in the Western Conference Final.
If the Stars are to pull off a miracle comeback, they need to start with some of their key players stepping up, and the one I think is most likely to do so is Joe Pavelski.
There are a couple of reasons why I have my eye on Pavelski. First off, Jamie Benn (suspension) is unavailable, and Evgenii Dadonov (lower body) is doubtful for Thursday’s contest, so the Stars will be leaning on their remaining veterans even more than usual.
At 38 years old, this also might be Pavelski’s last, best shot at the Cup, even with Dallas down 3-0. Some of the other players have the luxury of thinking about next year. Pavelski has the experience to know just how dangerous a course of thought that can be.
Speaking of experience, in 2014 Pavelski watched as his San Jose Sharks collapsed after taking a 3-0 series lead against the Los Angeles Kings. While it’d be a better story if Pavelski were on the other end of that, he’s one of the few active players who’s seen that overcoming such a deficit is possible.
We’ll see if Dallas can start to turn the tide Thursday, but Pavelski, who has eight goals and 12 points in 11 playoff appearances this year, should give it his best shot.
The Pick: Joe Pavelski over 2.5 shots on goal (+135 at DraftKings)
Jonathan Marchessault Over 3.5 Shots (+120)
Greg Liodice: Jonathan Marchessault has been a wagon. Since being the driving force in winning the second round against the Oilers, you can argue he’s been Vegas’ most dangerous player. In the last seven games, the veteran has posted 11 points, including a hat trick that stomped on Oiler fans' hopes and dreams.
In this series against the Stars, he’s been just as effective while averaging a point per game. It’s clear that the scrappy vet is flying around the ice, generating chances and getting under the skin of his opponents.
Marchessault is second on the team in creating scoring chances with a 61.54 SCF%, and he's sixth with a 53.13 xGF%. Amid all of that, he’s throwing rubber like it’s no one’s business.
It was easier for him to generate shots last round, but he’s still creating against Dallas. While there hasn’t been a game this series in which he's gone over the 3.5 mark, he’s more than capable, as he’s averaged 21.71 shot attempts per 60.
FanDuel has him over 3.5 shots at +120, and it's tantalizing for me because of the impact he’s made. The Knights wouldn’t be where they are without him. With just one more win needed to compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some extra motivation from Marchessault.
Pick: Jonathan Marchessault Over 3.5 Shots (+120) |
