Vegas Golden Knights (45-29-8) vs. Dallas Stars (52-21-9)
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars Game 1 4/22/24 – On Monday, April 22, 2024 the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars are set to face off for a matchup that is sure to enliven the NHL playoffs season calendar. Both clubs boast respectable records but lag behind Dallas’ robust performance; American Airlines Center serves as an impressive backdrop in which this battle of strategy and skill will play out, which perfectly aligns with high-stakes handicapper predictions today.
The Golden Knights have proven their offensive prowess despite their relatively modest position, led by right winger Jonathan Marchessault’s notable offense this season, scoring 42 goals to lead them. Ivan Barbashev and Brayden McNabb also contribute significantly, producing high shooting percentages and strategic playmaking that presents Stars defensemen with significant challenges when trying to stop these opponents’ powerful forward playmaking and scoring abilities. These individuals may pose serious threats that must be managed closely against.
Conversely, the Dallas Stars boast an offensive lineup populated with formidable figures such as Jason Robertson – leading with 80 points so far this season – Joe Pavelski and Wyatt Johnston who together have consistently outshone opponents with their offensive prowess. These trio are bound to challenge Golden Knights defensive strategies on the road; therefore their attack could play a pivotal role in breaking through them and breaking open games against Vegas.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars Game 1 4/22/24 Game Info
| When: | Monday, April 22, 2024 at 9:30 PM ET |
| Where: | American Airlines Center |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Logan Thompson vs. Goaltender Jake Oettinger
Logan Thompson has proven a key goaltending presence for the Vegas Golden Knights this season, taking responsibility for 46 games as their starting goaltender. He demonstrated his resilience on the pitch with an outstanding save percentage of 0.908 and average goals against per game of just 2.7%, showing an ability to remain unflappable when facing unique obstacles in goalkeeping. Thompson has proven his mettle by performing consistently under pressure over five overtime losses – though with their high scoring team the Stars, perhaps his relatively high goals against is cause for some concern. Thompson’s performance in shootouts was far from impressive, boasting only a 0.5 save percentage and could become crucial if this game goes beyond regular time. Thompson will need agility and sharp reflexes in order to effectively combat an offensive lineup led by Jason Robertson of Dallas that may extend beyond regular time.
Jake Oettinger holds an edge when it comes to game experience and workload; having appeared in 54 games with Dallas Stars so far this season. His save percentage at 0.905 stands in stark contrast to Thompson, suggesting he too has proved strong as goalie despite facing challenges of 140 goals against. Oettinger has proven his adeptness at saving shootouts with an outstanding 0.75 save percentage; such skills could prove decisive if facing off in an evenly balanced matchup. Oettinger must perform under duress with Golden Knights sharpshooters able to exploit any slip in concentration in goaltending, exploit any weak points in Stars defense with dynamic offensive play that exploits any gaps and exploit any opportunity presented by Oettinger and anchor them as quickly as possible. His performance under duress will be essential.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Dallas Stars -142, Total Odds: 5.5
Betting lines favor Dallas Stars with a -142 moneyline, reflecting confidence in their stronger season record and home advantage. An over/under set at 5.5 indicates expectations of an evenly scored contest that coincides with both teams’ recent scoring trends.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Trends
The Golden Knights have had difficulty covering the spread in recent games, posting just a 2-3 record against it over their past five contests and an overall road game spread record of 19-22 indicating potential difficulties against an aggressive home team like the Stars.
Dallas Stars Betting Trends
The Stars share an unimpressive but mixed record against the spread, coming in with 21-20 results in their road games and covering just 2 of those last 5 contests despite boasting superior win/loss records; therefore providing potential value when backing Golden Knights points with Golden Knights wins.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars 4/22/24 Betting Picks
Given both teams’ strategic strengths and weaknesses as well as goaltender capabilities, this game could reach an intense conclusion. Both squads have shown the ability to score, yet both also revealed vulnerabilities on defense that could be exploited.
Dallas Stars appear to be the better pick due to their prolific offensive play and home advantage however, Vegas Golden Knights represent value under the spread. Prop bets could involve high-performing players like Robertson or Marchessault for anytime goal scorers given their impressive shooting capabilities this season.
Betting over/under 5.5 could prove tempting given both teams’ offensive records, aligned with NHL Stanley Cup predictions for an entertaining high scoring contest.
Free Pick and Prediction: Dallas Stars 4, Vegas Golden Knights 3.