Read on for updates betting odds, series probabilities, and best bets. Also, check out the VSiN Hockey Betting Podcast Monday – Friday throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Updated series odds, probabilities, and best bets
- Florida Panthers (-165) vs Carolina Hurricanes (+140)
- Dallas Stars (+110) vs Vegas Golden Knights (-130)
Florida Panthers lead Eastern Conference Final 1-0 after thrilling quadruple overtime win in Game 1
Matthew Tkachuk was the quadruple overtime hero on Thursday in the sixth-longest game in NHL history. The 25-year-old scored in the final seconds of the fourth overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final to give the Panthers a 3-2 victory. It was the seventh straight road victory for the Panthers, who improved to 5-0 in overtime in the playoffs.
The Panthers thought they ended the game just two and a half minutes into the first overtime period when Ryan Lomberg scored, but the goal was waived off due to goaltender interference. Carolina pushed hard after tying the game, and they continued to drive play after being saved by the situation room. The Hurricanes finished with a 59 percent edge in expected goals.
I would argue that Florida played good in all but two periods (the third period and the first overtime) and I wonder how much the goal being disallowed deflated the Panthers. Carolina finished with 52 percent of the shot attempts. The Panthers wouldn’t have picked up the win without ‘Playoff Bob’, though. Frederik Andersen was good for the Hurricanes, but Sergei Bobrovsky saved the Panthers almost five goals above expected according to Evolving Hockey. The veteran goaltender made 63 saves, while Andersen made 57 saves on the other side.