Check out our Stars vs. Golden Knights Game 5 best bets from our crew of hockey experts for Saturday, May 27.
The 2022-23 NHL postseason rolls on with tonight's Dallas vs. Vegas game (8 p.m., ABC).
On Thursday the Stars avoided elimination with a dramatic victory and now look to make a dent in the Knights' 3-1 series lead. Vegas, meanwhile, gets a second chance to stamp its ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
Below, check out our hockey crew's top picks, including a few juicy player prop bets, for tonight's big Western Conference Final game.
Adin Hill Over 32 Saves (+240)
Greg Liodice: In a season in which goaltending has been a huge question for the Vegas Golden Knights, Adin Hill has been as cool as a cucumber. The journeyman netminder was asked to step in full-time after Laurent Brossoit was imjured in the middle of the second round. Ready to take on the task, Hill hasn’t disappointed in the slightest.
In his seven starts this postseason, Hill is playing to an astronomical .938 SV% and a +6.4 goals saved above expected (GSAx). He was always viewed as a steady and serviceable goalie, but he’s exceeded those expectations quickly.
Vegas’ opponents, the Dallas Stars, are a high-octane team. They’re known for peppering shots any chance they get. In this series, they’ve averaged 35 shots per game, and Hill has done a marvelous job at stopping most of them with a .943 SV% this series.
Although Dallas is riding the momentum from Game 4’s victory, I don’t anticipate Hill being flustered. He’s been a calm force, and I think at least 32 saves are more than feasible for him.
I think getting +240 alternate odds on over 32 saves is value given the efficiency Hill has played to, along with the volume of shots the Stars typically throw.
Pick: Adin Hill 32+ alt saves – 60 minutes (+240) |
Nicolas Roy Anytime Goalscorer (+490)
Nicholas Martin: Vegas' dominant second line of William Karlsson, Reilly Smith and Nicolas Roy has been a key reason why the Golden Knights own a 3-1 series lead.
Despite being the Knights' go-to shutdown line, they are creating some quality looks at the other end of the ice. Throughout the postseason, the trio has played to a 54.1% expected goal share.
It's logical to bet on the trio being productive in this matchup, and now could be the time to buy low on Roy.
Roy has shown off some capable scoring touch around the net, and he's been a part of some big playoff moments in the past.
Roy's 3.1 individual expected goals this playoff season ranks just below Ivan Barbashev and Reilly Smith on the team leaderboard. He is not an incapable finisher by any means, and he should be more productive if can continue to be on the end of some good chances.
Backing him to score at +490 is a good way to tap into potential production from the Knights' second unit in Game 5.
Pick: Nicolas Roy anytime goalscorer (+490) |
