NHL betting odds are on the board and getting attention, as the Stanley Cup Playoffs resume Sunday with Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. The top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights square off with the Dallas Stars in the Edmonton bubble.
The SuperBook at Westgate provided insights on NHL opening odds and early odds movement, sharp money and public betting for Sunday’s contest. Covers will update this action report with NHL sharp picks vs. public bets and odds movement throughout the day.
NHL odds movement
UPDATE 7 P.M. ET SUNDAY: An hour before game time, it appears Marc-Andre Fleury will be in goal tonight for the Golden Knights, rather than Robin Lehner, who has shouldered the load much of the playoffs and shut out Dallas in Game 7 of the West semifinals. Station Casinos sportsbooks in Las Vegas opened the Knights -160 and peaked at -175 this morning, then spent much of the day at Vegas -170/Dallas +150.
UPDATE 6 P.M. ET SUNDAY: FanDuel Sportsbook opened Vegas -165/Dallas +140 in Game 1, and the Golden Knights stretched to -180 earler today. However, the number quickly reverted to -170/+145 and has stayed there all day.
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Vegas blew a 3-1 series lead in their West semifinal, but notched a 3-0 victory in Game 7 Friday to dispatch the Vancouver Canucks. Similarly, Dallas blew a 3-1 series lead against the Colorado Avalanche, then took Game 7 in overtime 5-4 Friday to advance.
The SuperBook opened the Golden Knights -155 for Game 1 and ticked to -160 late Saturday night, with the Stars +145 for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop. Also worth noting is that Vegas is minus physical forward Ryan Reaves, suspended one game for an illegal hit in Game 7 against Vancouver.
NHL sharp money
Check back for updates throughout the day on sharp bets coming in for Sunday’s NHL game.
NHL public betting
UPDATE 7 P.M. ET SUNDAY: Chuck Esposito, sportsbook director for Station Casinos, said the book needs the underdog tonight, no surprise. "Oh yeah. They are definitely backing the Knights moneyline and on the puckline." The house will need the Under, as well, on a total of 6.
UPDATE 6 P.M. ET SUNDAY: Two hours before the puck drops in Stars-Golden Knights Game 1, FanDuel Sportsbook is seeing interesting moneyline and puckline betting. On the moneyline, Vegas is -170 and Dallas +145, and the ticket count is split right down the middle at 50/50, with Vegas getting 63 percent of the cash. However, the public is clearly looking more toward the plus-money puckline payout, as Vegas is drawing 87 percent of tickets and 88 percent of dollars at -1.5 goals, priced at +160.
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Covers Consensus is often indicative of where the public is, and by late Saturday night, the Golden Knights were the play: Vegas was drawing 65 percent of early picks.
Where can I bet NHL odds?
Many online books and casinos offer bets on hockey odds and props. Check out the best sportsbooks available where you live.
