Stars vs Golden Knights Game 2 Odds & Picks – Sept 8

• The Dallas Stars have taken a 1-0 series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights
• Game 2 of the Western Conference final will be played on Tuesday, Sep. 8, at 8:00 PM EST
• Vegas remains a large betting favorite for Game 2

The Dallas Stars have taken a 1-0 series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. Game 2 is set for Tuesday, September 8 at 8:00 PM EST at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

The Golden Knights have opened as -159 favorites in the Stars vs Golden Knights odds. They’ve seen a slight drop off after opening as -167 favorites for Game 1, but remain sizable favorites.

Will Vegas bounce back in Game 2 or should you bet on Dallas taking a 2-0 series lead?

Stars vs Golden Knights Game 2 Odds

Odds as of  Sep. 6.

Stars Smother Knights

After averaging 39 shots on goal per game in their second-round series against the Vancouver Canucks, Vegas was smothered by the Stars defense in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. The Golden Knights were limited to just 25 shots and four high-danger chances in a 1-0 shutout loss.

It isn’t surprising that the Stars won a game by playing shutdown defense, but it’s a style they strayed away from in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Stars allowed the fewest goals of any Western Conference team in the regular season, but heading into Game 1 they were giving up 3.50 goals-per-game — fifth most among playoff teams.

Vegas has won games all postseason by controlling the play and dominating possession, but the Stars gave them a taste of their own medicine on Sunday. Vegas was limited to just 12 shots on goal in the first two periods and failed to really generate any chances from prime scoring areas.

Fleury, Khudobin Solid in Game 1

Despite Vegas and Dallas being the two highest-scoring teams remaining in the playoffs, it was the goalies who stole the show in the opening game. Stars netminder Anton Khudobin stopped all 25 shots he faced to record his first career playoff shutout and help Dallas take a 1-0 series lead.

THE GREAT WALL OF DOBBY 🧱 pic.twitter.com/s00i5iJuof

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 7, 2020

The Golden Knights gave starting goalie Robin Lehner a rest in Game 1 and played Marc-Andre Fleury instead. Fleury took the loss, but he looked very sharp with a 24-save performance. This game could’ve been over early if Fleury didn’t make several key saves in the opening two periods.

Khudobin has been up-and-down this postseason, but it’s very encouraging for Stars fans that he started out strong in this series. Lehner started three games in four nights to close out the Vancouver series, so he was in need of a night off. Expect a sharp and well-rested Lehner to get the call for the Knights on Tuesday.

The Best Bet for Game 2

The “defensive” Stars showing up for Game 1 could be an indicator of how this series will be played. Dallas has won games this postseason by playing a high-tempo style, but they also have the ability to shift gears and rely on their defense to garner victories.

What a performance by the #Stars defense, & goalie Anton Khudobin.

They were brilliant in front of him, and anything that did get through, Khudobin stoned every single one of ‘em.

The Dallas Stars can apparently play, and win, many different ways.

Stars lead the series, 1-0.

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) September 7, 2020

Vegas looked like they lacked energy in Game 1, which could in part be due to heavyweight forward Ryan Reaves missing the contest due to suspension. He’ll return for Game 2 and will look to set the physical tone early. The Golden Knights were outhit 49-47 by the Stars, which is something you don’t see happen often to this physical Vegas squad.

I’m sure this Vegas offense will find its groove soon, but there’s one trend worth jumping on until they do. The ‘Under’ has cashed in four straight games for the Golden Knights and is the best bet for Game 2. With the style Dallas played in Game 1 and the level the goaltenders are operating at, expect another low-scoring affair on Tuesday night.

Pick: Under 5.5 (-107)