Blaine Spencer previews Game 2 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks, sharing his predictions and picks as Vegas lead the series 1-0.
Puck drop for Game 2 is Tuesday Aug. 25 at 9:45 p.m. ET – NBCSN.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 Preview
The Las Vegas Golden Knights continued their dominance since the restart and resoundingly looked like the best team in the Western Conference with a 5-0 rout of the Vancouver Canucks in Game 1.
Goaltender, Robin Lehner, recorded his first career playoff shutout turning away 26 shots. The overall team effort showcased by the Golden Knights placed a firm grasp on how they are clearly one of the favorites to lift the cup and the team did not showcase any rust after being off for almost a week.
The Golden Knights scored three times in the second period to put the game away. They pushed the Canucks hard on the forecheck, creating a lot of chances which allowed them to put the game away. The squad continued to be led by their three-headed monster in their forwards of Mark Stone, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault, who all scored in Game 1.
As for Vancouver, the Canucks may end up making a goaltender change to Thatcher Demko over Jacob Markstrom as he did come on in relief in garbage time in the middle of the third period after Vegas scored the fifth goal. The team’s performance in the back being poor may be an understatement as they’re allowing 35 shots per game during the playoffs which if this statistic holds is way too many chances for a lethal opponent like the Golden Knights.
One advantage Vancouver can take away with is dominating in faceoffs by beating Vegas 40-23. Now, they just have to take advantage when they are in the Vegas zone to capitalize on the Faceoff victories. Also, this was the worst game Vancouver has played since the restart so do not expect another lackluster performance in Game 2.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 Predictions & Picks
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Line: Vancouver Canucks (+190) vs Vegas Golden Knights (-210)
The Canucks will come out in Game 2 with extreme desperation after being humiliated in Game 1. The Canucks have been relying heavily on their offense to win series’ so far in these playoffs so don’t expect them to come out trying to play tentative and focus on their defense.
This strategy can easily backfire leaving them more vulnerable in the back and I think it will. The game will be much more competitive than Game 1 but look for the Vegas Golden Knights to continue to take advantage of the defensive weakness of the Canucks. Vegas will win and take a commanding 2-0 lead but expect Vancouver to score in Game 2.
Picks: Vegas Golden Knights (-225) & Over 5.5 goals (-136)
I would personally do a same-game parlay here to parlay especially with the moneyline being so high for the Vegas Golden Knights. The parlay odds would be at +135 which allows you to win $117.50 on a $50.00 bet.
