NHL Betting: Stanley Cup Finals Game 2 Picks

The Los Angeles Kings started the Stanley Cup final just as they did each of their other three playoff rounds with a win in Game 1. It wasn’t pretty but the end result was still the same. Does our capper think NHL bettors will see more offense in Game 2?

If you’re a New Jersey Devils fan, the glass can either be half-full or half-empty. On one hand,the Devils had a chance to steal Game 1 even though they played fairly poorly. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine them winning a single game this series if Jonathan Quick only has to make 16 saves. 

In my view, the Kings actually looked a bit rusty on offense in this contest as they couldn’t get their patented fore-check going, yet they still managed to escape with a win. Once again, they’re up in a series and they should be more confident going forward. They put a reasonable 25 shots on Martin Brodeur (that number is likely to go up in Game 2) they out-chanced the Devils and won more faceoffs. They also held the Devils to just 17 shots – just eight through two periods – which ties for their fewest shots on net in a playoff game. 

On top of that, they managed to make their best offensive weapon, Ilya Kovalchuk, a non-factor. 

For Game 2, once again, it depends on your matter of perspective. One might say that the Devils will get more from Kovalchuk, will fire more shots and create more opportunities. What I believe to be closer to the truth is the Devils are going to struggle offensively all series long – especially as the Kings get more comfortable on offense. New Jersey’s only goal was a fluky pinball that ricocheted off a couple of players to go in. And in a display of just how little offense the Devils were generating, captain Zach Parise had to literally throw the puck into the net for the Devils to score (goal was not counted). 

We’re one game in, and the Devils are searching for answers while the Kings know that if they ramp up their offense, they’ll be in great shape. 

The Devils need Game 2 or this series is over. There’s the element of desperation on their side but must win doesn’t mean will win. Bet the Kings.

NHL Picks: Kings +++

In what might seem like an odd move, I’m going to go against the grain and play the OVER in Game 2. I simply can’t see so little offense being generated for a second straight game. 

The Devils know they’re not going to win firing just 17 pucks at Quick. Just as they did against the New York Rangers, they were stymied in Game 1 but managed to generate much more offense in Game 2. Look for them to put as many shots toward Quick as possible. Meanwhile, the Kings only had 25 shots themselves, which is low for them too considering they have averaged 32.3 per game in the postseason.

Game 1 one tight and tense; Game 2 should be a bit more wide open. Take the OVER. 

NHL Picks: OVER ---