Stars Favored Over Golden Knights in Game 2 Wednesday Despite Losing Series Opener

• What: Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars - Game 2
• When: Wednesday, April 24th
• Where: American Airlines Center

The defending champion Vegas Golden Knights flexed their muscles in the series opener against the Dallas Stars on Monday and will be looking to do so again on Wednesday in Game 2. The puck is scheduled to drop at 9:30 PM ET at American Airlines Arena. Vegas won Game 1 4-3 thanks to a winner from Brayden McNabb. These are the same two teams who met in the Western Conference Finals last season so this should be a very entertaining series, with Dallas in serious need of a victory here before heading to the Sin City. Continue reading for the Golden Knights vs Stars Game 2 picks.

Before we get into the odds, preview, and prediction, make sure to check out our NHL Playoffs Page and our Stanley Cup Odds.

Golden Knights vs Stars Game 2 Odds

Team
Vegas Golden Knights	+155	+147	+155
Dallas Stars	-174	-172	-175

The Stars are a heavy favorite in Game 2 at -174 for an implied win probability of 63.50%. The Golden Knights return at +155 and have a 39.22% chance of taking a 2-0 lead in the series. We can expect another close one.

Golden Knights Can't be Underestimated

Vegas barely got into the playoffs, finishing as the final Wild Card in the Western Conference. But, that doesn't matter now and we have to remember, this is the team that won it all last year. The roster essentially looks the exact same and the Golden Knights just activated Mark Stone off the LTIR, arguably their best player. Coincidentally enough, Stone made his presence felt immediately in Game 1, scoring the opener just 1:23 into the first period. If anyone forgot, it became very clear why Stone is such an important piece to Vegas.

Jonathan Marchessault gave the Golden Knights a 2-0 in the second period, while Tomas Hertl and McNabb both found the scoresheet as well. Dallas did claw their way back from a 3-1 deficit to even things up but McNabb put the Stars away with his winner. Both Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin finished with two assists apiece while Logan Thompson made 27 saves on 30 shots in between the posts. While the Knights were outshot 28-15, they proved to be the more physical team with 55 hits to only 31 for Dallas.

Finishing fourth in the Pacific doesn't exactly scream Cup contender but Vegas has the experience and talent to make another deep run. Plus, they already got past the Stars a year ago, so why can't they do it again? With Stone finally healthy, it changes the whole dynamic for Bruce Cassidy's group. The sky is the limit for the Golden Knights, who will be in a prime position if they can take a 2-0 lead before heading back home.

Crucial Game For Dallas

The reality is Dallas cannot afford to lose Game 2 on home ice. Despite winning the Central Division with a stout 52-21-9 record, the Stars know how difficult of a test this first-round opponent presents, having fallen to them in the west finals in 2022-23. The storyline for Dallas in the series opener was the failure to capitalize on their chances. 28 shots only translated to three goals and it felt like the hosts were playing catch-up all night, trailing 4-2 at one point. Jamie Benn, Jason Robertson, and Mason Marchment were the producers offensively on Monday, but in goal, Jake Oettinger really struggled, getting beat four times on just 15 shots. Needless to say, the Stars need Oettinger to be a mile better moving forward.

This is the fifth postseason series in a row where Dallas has lost Game 1, so this is familiar territory. Also, 27 of their victories in 2023-24 came from behind. That's not saying the Stars want to be in an early hole in Game 2, but they are capable of overcoming a deficit. That being said, Vegas is a brilliant club and it won't be that easy to just keep falling behind and then turning the tables. Allowing a goal just minutes into the first period was the worst possible start for the Central Division winners and they will be looking to avoid that from happening again on Wednesday.

Also, the supporting cast around Robertson has to get going. Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski, Tyler Seguin, and Matt Duchene were pretty quiet in the series opener and that cannot be the case as this first-round clash rolls on. They're all important players who have to contribute. On a more positive note, the Stars did end the regular season with an 8-2-0 record.

Golden Knights vs Stars Game 2 Picks

Dallas was 26-11-4 at home in the regular season and will be absolutely fired up to come out here and respond. In my opinion, they will bounce back and tie this series up before hitting the road. Take the Stars moneyline.

Stars moneyline Vs Golden Knights Game 2

-174

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