The Dallas Stars will play the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre to kick off their Round 2 series tonight.
Both teams needed all seven games to advance past the opening round, and I’ve got a trio of NHL picks and Stars vs. Jets props for Game 1 on Wednesday, May 7.
Best Stars vs Jets props
Rantanen o2.5 shots (+100)
Valardi u0.5 points (-105)- Hellebuyck o22.5 saves (-115)
Stars vs Jets player props for May 7
Mikko Rantanen Over 2.5 shots (+100 at Bet99)
Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen is grabbing headlines and putting up numbers, and he also paces the Stars in shots (24) and attempts (41) during the postseason while logging a healthy 19:39 of ice time.
Rantanen recorded three or more shots in five of seven Round 1 games and ranks in the 96th percentile of forwards in shots on goal.
I’m also not convinced Winnipeg Jets No. 1 defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) suits up, and top center Mark Scheifele (undisclosed) continues to skate in a non-contact jersey.
Gabriel Valardi Under 0.5 points (-105 at Bet99)
It’s been a quiet start to the playoffs for Jets winger Gabriel Valardi. He’s failed to mark the scoresheet through three games since returning from an upper-body injury, and his underlying numbers don’t impress.
Vilardi was on the ice for just a single goal and 1.75 expected goals at five-on-five. He also sported an underwhelming 46.4 Corsi For percentage, well below the Jets' team average of 52.9%.
Projected linemates Vladislav Namestnikov and Kyle Connor have only been on the ice for 22:48 of five-on-five ice time during the postseason, raising questions about their chemistry with Vilardi against a deep Dallas lineup.
Connor Hellebuyck Over 22.5 saves (-115 at Bet99)
Despite Winnipeg Jets No. 1 Connor Hellebuyck finishing with a .830 SV% and 10.17 goals saved below expected, the team advanced to Round 2, and I’m anticipating better play from Hellebuyck against the Dallas Stars.
I expect the Jets to be without top center Mark Scheifele (undisclosed) and No. 1 defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) in the series opener. Those are massive losses, and the Stars should be able to tilt the ice in their favor.
Additionally, the eye test says the St. Louis Blues passed up a lot of shooting opportunities in the opening round, so Dallas will further prioritize getting pucks on net.
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