Stanley Cup Final Game 4: Betting tips and picks for Colorado Avalanche-Tampa Bay Lightning
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Ondrej Palat to score a point (-135)
There’s no reason not to run this back after hitting in Game 3. Palat has a point in all nine of the Lightning’s home games this postseason, with 14 points in total. His line with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov was able to get away from Nathan MacKinnon‘s line in Game 3 and it thrived. Expect more in Game 4.
Wyshynski: Lightning vs. Avalanche first period over (-130)
I think the game is truly a pick’em. So I’m going granular: first period over 1.5 goals. It has hit in all three games. Colorado has hit the over in 54% of its playoff games. The start has been the absolute key for both of these teams. The Lightning are now 7-1 when they lead after the first period. The Avalanche are 6-1. They’re both going to get after it against two goalies who haven’t exactly kept the biscuit out of the basket this series.
Sachin Dave Chandan, ESPN betting editor: Tampa Bay Lightning win or draw all periods +210
I’m a “ride the shoe” type of bettor, and after Tampa Bay’s dominant performance in Game 3, it has restored my faith in the Lightning. They won the first two periods before drawing the third 0-0. The home team has been stout every game this series, and I expect Tampa Bay to even the series, but betting this prop gets you a much better price than the moneyline, with the extra risk of course.
Chandan: Cale Makar over .5 total assists (-135)
The Avalanche scored only twice in the Game 3 loss, but both came on the power play and both featured the Norris Trophy winner getting a helper. Makar has been on the ice for 71% of Colorado’s power-play time this series, and if the Avs get a power-play goal, Makar is as good a bet as any to be involved.
Past five games.