The Colorado Avalanche were not rusty in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Colorado jumped all over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first …
The Colorado Avalanche were not rusty in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Colorado jumped all over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period and, despite giving up a two-goal lead, were full value for their win at Ball Arena on Wednesday night. Colorado’s high-tempo offense looked potent and Tampa Bay’s defense and all-world goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, took some time to get settled. But if we’ve learned anything about this Lightning team over the past three seasons, it’s that it won’t be fazed by the idea of being down 1-0 to the Stanley Cup favorites. Bettors should expect a stronger performance from the Lightning in Game 2 on Saturday, which should lead to some value across derivative markets as well. With that in mind, here are some player props worth considering:
Brandon Hagel first goal scorer (25/1) and anytime goal scorer (+360):
With only two goals (one an empty-netter) to his name this postseason, it may sound like a fool’s errand to back Hagel to get on the scoresheet in Game 2, but that lack of production has provided some value on a player who is among the best in the playoffs at creating high-quality scoring chances.
