Stars vs Golden Knights picks and predictions for Sept 6

I’m not sure who we expected to advance to the Western Conference Final, but what a hell of a ride we took getting here. The Vegas Golden Knights survived a furious challenge from the Vancouver Canucks, and the Dallas Stars stunned the Colorado Avalanche in overtime—both in Game 7s—moving hockey bettors one step closer to seeing a new a Stanley Cup champion.

Enough of that semifinal nonsense! Here are our best NHL picks and predictions for Sunday’s Game 1 of the Western Conference final, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights betting preview

Starting Goalies

Stars: Anton Khudobin - playoffs - 8-5, 2.94 GAA, .909 SV% (season – 16-8, 2.79 GAA, .930 SV%)

Golden Knights: Robin Lehner - playoffs – 8-4, 1.99 GAA, .918 SV% (season – 19-10, 2.89, .920 SV%)

Khudobin returned to fill in for starter Ben Bishop during the past two games, as Bishop remains unfit to play, and he’s been… adequate. By the way, is there a more damning word than “adequate?” Such a slap in the face! I’m a jerk! Anyway, the 34-year-old has given up eight goals during that two-game stretch, and while Colorado had the highest-scoring offense in the West during the regular season, Khudobin can’t afford to be that leaky against Vegas. 

Lehner has improved his numbers in the bubble, putting to bed any thought that veteran Marc-Andre Fleury might re-establish himself as the team’s number one netminder. Lehner also has benefitted from a stingy Vegas defense—he faced only 14 Vancouver shots in Friday’s Game 7.

Injuries

Stars: Ben Bishop G (ques), Taylor Fedun D (ques), Andrew Cogliano C (ques), Stephen Johns D (out), Roman Polak D (out), Martin Hanzal C (out)
Golden Knights: Karl Alzner D (out)
Get the latest NHL injury updates.

Betting Trend to Know

Over is 5-0 in Stars’ last 5 games following a win. Find the latest NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Golden Knights.

Moneyline Pick

While Dallas is averaging a robust 4.0 goals per game during the postseason, Lehner and the Vegas defense is a different animal than seeing Cam Talbot or Michael Hutchinson between the pipes. The Golden Knights would have closed out their series earlier against the Canucks if not for Thatcher Demko’s unbelievable play, and I’m betting Vegas will be thrilled when they see Khudobin on the ice.

I think Vegas makes a statement in this game, and I’ll gladly pay a lower price for the Cup favorites to win in regulation.

PREDICTION: Knights ML (-110)

Over/Under Pick

While the Stars are well-regarded for their defense, they haven’t been nearly as effective inside the bubble, allowing 3.77 goals per game—a significant drop-off from their 2.52 mark during the regular season, which was second-best in the league. The Over is 7-1 in Dallas’ last eight games, and a dangerous Vegas attack should push this game past the number.

PREDICTION: Over 5.5 (-130)

Prop pick

I don’t think it can be overstated how brilliant Demko was against the Golden Knights during the semifinals. While the Stars are indeed a great story, they are simply overmatched here. Vegas has incredible depth, with 11 different players who have scored during the playoffs. The Knights should win this game handily, and I’m looking for a quick start as well.

PREDICTION: Knights first period ML (+138)

Stars vs Golden Knights Betting Card 

• Knights ML (-110)
• Over 5.5 (-130)
• Knights first period ML (+138)

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