The Vegas Golden Knights recovered from a loss in Game 1, as they tied the series up thanks to a 3-1 win in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals over the Winnipeg Jets on the road Monday. Next comes Game 3 in Las Vegas, where the Golden Knights will look to take the upper hand for the first time in the series. At press, the home team is favored by 1.5-points at the sportsbook.
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Betting Preview for the Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights NHL West Conference Finals Game 3 on May 16, 2018
When: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas NV
When: Wednesday, May 16,9:00 PM EST
Line: Winnipeg Jets (point spread) vs Vegas Golden Knights (point spread) – view all NHL lines
TV Broadcast: NBC, TVA
Betting on the Winnipeg Jets (+1.5)
After scoring four goals in Game 1, the Jets were only able to net one in Game 2. That despite the fact that the Jets had more shots in Game 2 than the series opener. In any case, the Jets will have to keep winning the possession battle. The more time they have the puck, the higher the chances of scoring goals, which is a basic tenet in hockey, and the fact that the Jets have yet to be outshot in this game is something that should make Winnipeg feel optimistic. The Jets are fourth among teams that made the playoffs in shots per game with 33.1. Vegas, meanwhile, has 31.8 per contest. Connor Hellebuyck just needs to be better in front of the net. The netminder allowed all three Vegas goals in Game 2 despite facing fewer shots than Marc-Andre Fleury.
Betting on the Vegas Golden Knights (-1.5)
Speaking of Fleury, the 33-year-old Vegas goalie bounced back from a letdown performance in Game 1 by stopping 30 of the 31 shots he faced in Game 2. Fatigue may not be setting on Fleury, but the Knights skaters have to help cut down on Winnipeg’s scoring opportunities. Also, the Knights have to do better against Winnipeg’s power play attack, as they have now allowed two power play goals on seven power play chances of the Jets in this series. Vegas is fifth in the playoffs in penalty killing with an 80.8 percent success rate. Going back to Fleury, he is 9-3 with a 1.68 GAA and .945 SV% in 12 starts in the postseason. Jonathan Marchessault leads the team in playoff scoring with six goals, while William Karlsson is behind him with five.
Writer’s Prediction:
Vegas wins, 3-2.
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