Expert prediction
NHL Western Conference Finals Game 1: Stars vs Golden Knights Prediction, Odds, and Picks (May 19)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Vegas Golden Knights have home advantage in game one of the Western Conference finals
- Dallas Stars saw off the Seattle Kraken in game seven in second round
Just two sides remain in contention for a spot in the Stanley Cup finals from the Western Conference. The Vegas Golden Knights will have the crucial home advantage for games one and two against the Dallas Stars, and they will be bidding to make a quick start.
How To Watch
- When: Friday, May 19, 2023, at 8:30 P.M. ET
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- How To Watch: NHL TV
Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | |
| Vegas Golden Knights |
Team News
The finals in the Western Conference were set earlier this week, as the Dallas Stars finally edged past the Seattle Kraken. Vegas will come into the opening game as the commanding favorites, and they remain the top selection from the West to go on and win the Stanley Cup this term. The Golden Knights secured their spot in the next round after seeing off the Edmonton Oilers by a 5-2 scoreline in game six on Sunday.
Vegas will have the home advantage to begin the series after finishing the regular season at the top of the Pacific Division. However, they will be bidding for revenge over the Stars after falling to Dallas in the Western Conference finals back in 2020. Jack Eichel has been the standout star for the Golden Knights to this point, having scored six goals and registering a further eight assists.
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The Stars will have fond memories of that five-game success over the Golden Knights in 2020. However, they haven’t reached the conference finals since that success. Dallas booked their spot in this stage of the competition on Monday evening, as they were finally able to edge past the Seattle Kraken in game seven of their second-round series.
Roope Hintz has been the standout player for the Stars in the playoffs so far this year, as he has scored nine goals to accumulate 19 points. Meanwhile, Jason Robertson has registered ten assists, and Max Domi has recorded eleven points. Interestingly, the Stars won 4-0 on a visit to Vegas this season, and also recorded back-to-back overtime wins in Dallas.
Picks
The Stars certainly hold a healthy advantage following the previous clashes between the sides this season. However, the pressure will be intensified for the opening game of the Western Conference finals. We fully expect the Golden Knights to avenge their 2020 defeat, starting with a game one win in Vegas.
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