Another two-game NHL slate ahead on Thursday with the Panthers looking to level up the series in Toronto, and the Stars and Jets getting underway. Ryan Cook is back to share his thoughts and bets in our Thursday NHL Tips!
Game 2 – TOR Leads 1-0
The Leafs still find themselves as underdogs on home ice despite a barnstorming 5-4 win in Game 1 on Tuesday.
William Nylander and Matthew Knies excited the crowd with three combined goals, but there is concerns for starting goalie Anthony Stolarz, who left the ice with a head injury and didn’t return.
It was evident the Leafs’ offence would need to play at a high pace against the defending champs after Florida rallied back in the third period.
The Panthers’ forecheck caused Toronto some big problems at times, setting up huge chances for Sam Bennett and the like. Based on some of the Leafs’ shaky defence once momentum swung, I think the Panthers are a good bet to level things up.
Game 1
What a series this should be.
Both sides are coming off dramatic Game 7 victories in the first round, which could set the stage for an exciting opening game if both sides come out a little nervous early.
Connor Hellebuyck, who has looked anything but his usual self during the playoffs, holds the keys to this series for the Jets, while the Stars need Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn to wake up.
I can’t build a convincing case as to why you should back either team head to head just yet, but with the Jets struggling to find goals at times and the Stars’ top line guys a little quiet, the Under looks to be the play.