And then there were four. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are down to just four NHL teams after a wild first two rounds. The Vegas Golden Knights have flexed their muscles en route to the Conference Final, while the Dallas Stars did the same against their two opponents.
Let’s get right into this NHL Western Conference Final Betting Preview between the Golden Knights and Stars!
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NHL Western Conference Final Betting Preview: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars: Western Conference Final Odds & Schedule
To Win Western Conference: Golden Knights -130 | Dallas Stars +110
Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Dallas Stars (C2)
Fri., May 19: Stars at Golden Knights, 8:30 p.m.; ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS
Sun., May 21: Stars at Golden Knights, 3 p.m.; ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Tue., May 23: Golden Knights at Stars, 8 p.m.; ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS
Thu., May 25: Golden Knights at Stars, 8 p.m.; ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Sat., May 27: Stars at Golden Knights, 8 p.m.; ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Mon., May 29: Golden Knights at Stars, 8 p.m.; ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Wed., May 31: Stars at Golden Knights, 9 p.m.; ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars: Path to Western Conference Final
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights were doubted in their first two rounds despite being the top seed in the West and being tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs with the fourth-most points (111) in the league. They were able to fly past the Winnipeg Jets in the first round rather easily; then, they weren’t too bothered by Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Despite being the higher seed, Vegas was the underdog in that series and won it in six games.
Oh yeah, Vegas captain Mark Stone‘s injury recovery timeline miraculously lined up with the start of the playoffs, so that’s a huge boost for them. It’s funny how that sometimes works, eh?
Vegas has also been forced to reach deep into their goalie depth chart with Robin Lehner missing the season, Logan Thompson suffering a lower-body injury, and then Laurent Brossoit suffering the same fate last series.
But have no fear. Adin Hill has stepped in to save the day. He has a .934 SV% and 2.19 GAA in his five games (three starts).
If all else fails, Jonathan Quick has to have something left in the tank, right?
Dallas Stars
The Stars have flown under the radar all season long. They have a good mix of veterans and young studs, including goaltender Jake Oettinger, that Pete DeBoer is going on a run with.
Dallas overcame a 2-1 series deficit to the Minnesota Wild in the first round to win that series in six games. They then did the same against the Kraken, but this time Seattle was able to force a seventh game.
Jason Robertson has been rather invisible in these playoffs, which could be good or bad. Either he’s yet to break through, or maybe this is what he is in the playoffs due to the pressure or a nagging injury.
Having said that, saying that Robertson has been invisible in the playoffs shows how good he is: He is tied for the ninth-most points in the playoffs with 12 in 13 games. They’ve just been mostly assists with only two goals.
It has been that whole top line with Roope Hintz (19 points) and Joe Pavelski (eight goals) for the Stars.
Western Conference Final Picks & Best Bets: Golden Knights vs. Stars
Golden Knights to win series (-125 via BetPARX)
It may be boring to take the favorite, but sometimes the smart bet is the boring one. Vegas has been underrated all playoffs long, and they’ll be ready to face off against this Dallas team. The Stars fell behind 2-1 in each of their first two series but managed to come back. The Golden Knights have the killer instinct, with Jack Eichel starring in his first playoff run.
Golden Knights to win in six games (+525 via BetPARX)
Why not? The Stars are good enough to win a few.
