Best NHL Props Tuesday: Flames-Oilers, Hurricanes-Rangers
Bank on second-period scoring in Flames-Oilers
Here are a couple of NHL prop bets worth taking a look at for Tuesday night's Stanley Cup playoff games.
Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers: Most Goals Scored in the Second Period +165
Offense is flowing naturally in the Battle of Alberta, with a cumulative 28 goals through the first three games of the series. Of course, 15 came in Game 1; still, the Oilers have recorded at least three goals in all three contests, and the Flames have three or more in all but one. The more pronounced trend is scoring in the second period.
The second stanza has been the highest-scoring period in all three matchups, with a minimum of three goals per period. Moreover, 14 of the 28 goals have come in the second, representing half of the goals this series and an average of 4.7 per game.
The first and third periods have been played more conservatively in this Western Conference Semifinal, with the offensive taps opening up in the second. At +165, I am betting that trend continues in Game 4, with one of the teams creating space from their opponent before tightening things up in the third.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers: Both Teams to Score in the First Period +165
The Rangers and Hurricanes have prioritized coming out of the gates hot in their Eastern Conference Semifinal, with the bulk of their offense coming in the first period. Although scoring has been limited throughout the series, we like both teams to get on the board early in Game 4.
The opening frame has been the most productive period in two of the three games in this series. New York and Carolina have combined for 10 or more high-danger chances at five-on-five in Games 1 and 3. To conceptualize, there have been a combined 61 quality opportunities so far in this series, meaning 39.6% of the most high-probability scoring opportunities have come in the first period.
Playing with the lead is the goal in the postseason and it’s clear that both teams are working hard to get out in front of their opponent. The Hurricanes were buzzing on Sunday night, attempting six high-danger and 10 scoring chances among their 14 shots at five-on-five.
Carolina’s game plan isn’t going to change, forcing the Rangers to try and crack their defensive shell. However, the Rangers have shown all season that they can score with the best of them and I am anticipating a quick response if the Canes do breakout early.
Output hasn’t matched production this series and I’m expecting some correction on Tuesday night. Backing both teams to score in the first is my favorite play at Madison Square Garden.
