2nd Round NHL Playoffs: Game 2 Thursday Action to Bet On

The second round of the 2023 NHL Playoffs is well underway, and things have already been just as unpredictable as they were in Round One.

After being down 3-1 in the series to Boston in the first round, Seattle has rattled off four straight wins and now holds a 1-0 series edge over Toronto. Seattle surged to a 4-2 lead in the first period against Dallas and held on for a 5-4 overtime win despite a spectacular four-goal performance from Joe Pavelski.

On Wednesday, we saw the Hurricanes cruise to a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. We also saw a second-straight day with a four-goal game as Leon Draisaitl lit the lamp repeatedly against the Golden Knights, though Vegas held strong for a 6-4 win.

Let’s take a look a what Thursday’s games and make picks for these NHL Playoff betting matchups.

2nd Round NHL Playoffs: Game 2 Thursday Betting

NHL Playoffs Calendar
Second Round: May 2-16, 2023
Conference Finals: TBD
Stanley Cup: June 8-18, 2023

Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs

East 2nd Round – Game 2, FLA leads series 1-0
NHL Odds: Panthers -4, Maple Leafs -4 / Panthers -4, Maple Leafs -4 / O/U 5.5
When: Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV / Streaming: TNT

The Florida Panthers turned in an excellent effort in Game One, killing off all four penalties against a deadly Toronto power play. Sergei Bobrovsky stayed hot, stopping 34 of 36 shots, and Matthew Tkachuk led the way once again with three assists.

On the other hand, Toronto must play better in front of goaltender Ilya Samsonov, who couldn’t really be faulted on any of the Panthers’ goals. The Toronto Maple Leafs struggled to clear the front of the net, conceding one goal that was redirected and another goal that got through a screen.

A bad pinch led to another breakaway goal, and another was scored off a rebound where Toronto’s defense failed to pick up their man in front.

Should the Maple Leafs decide a goaltending change is needed, Matt Murray may be available as he is working his way back from a concussion. However, we don’t anticipate that being necessary.

Toronto rebounded from a Game One dismantling in the first round with a big win at home in Game Two. Roll with the Leafs to tie the series at one game apiece before heading back to FLA Live Arena for Games Three and Four.

NHL Playoff Pick: Maple Leafs | Bet Panthers vs Maple Leafs Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars

West 2nd Round – Game 2, SEA leads series 1-0
NHL Odds: Kraken -4, Stars -4 / Kraken -4, Stars -4 / O/U 5.5
When: Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 9:30 pm ET
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
TV / Streaming: TNT

Just as they did in the first round, the Stars lost the opening game of the Western Conference Semifinals series at home in overtime. However, there’s reason to believe Dallas will get back on track in Game Two.

First, the Dallas Stars had the bulk of the offensive opportunities throughout Game One. They finished with an expected goals (xGF) count of 3.26 in all situations, significantly ahead of Seattle’s 2.78 xGF. Seattle outshot Dallas 44-35 in the opener, so the xGF count speaks to the quality of chances the Stars were creating.

Jake Oettinger is also in a good position to bounce back after a career-worst five goals against in a playoff game. Oettinger was dominant against the Minnesota Wild in the first round and has a career 2.01 GAA and .940 save percentage in the playoffs. Count on a return to form Thursday as the Stars tie the series.

NHL Playoff Pick: Stars | Bet Kraken vs Stars Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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