The Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up with four huge games on tap for Thursday night, featuring some teams looking to take complete control of their series.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are both sitting pretty with 2-0 leads as they head on the road for Game 3.
Toronto’s been dominating their all-Canadian matchup with Ottawa, though they needed some overtime heroics from Max Domi to grab that second win. John Tavares and Morgan Rielly have been on fire, scoring in both games so far.
The Jets, who finished first overall in the regular season, are looking just as strong in St. Louis. Kyle Connor’s been their hero, scoring both game-winners against the Blues.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild have evened things up with Vegas at one game each. Matt Boldy’s been absolutely incredible, scoring three times in two games. But here’s the catch – the Wild haven’t beaten the Golden Knights at home in their last five tries.
The defending champion Florida Panthers made quite a statement in their opener against Tampa Bay. They only took 17 shots but still managed to put up six goals, going perfect on the power play. Matthew Tkachuk’s return to the lineup was huge – he hadn’t played since February 8 but came back with two power-play goals and an assist.
Looking for some betting tips? Here are some players who might light the lamp tonight:
Sam Reinhart’s been money for Florida this year with 39 goals. He’s already scored once this series and loves playing against Tampa – he’s got 23 goals in 44 career games against them.
Tampa’s Brayden Point could be due. He scored 42 times in the regular season and got one of his team’s only goals in Game 1. He’s got a history of showing up big in the playoffs with 43 goals in 88 postseason games.
William Nylander’s been Toronto’s go-to guy all year, putting up 45 goals. He’s already found the net once this series and is especially dangerous on the power play.
And don’t sleep on Matt Boldy. The Wild forward’s scored three times already this series and seems to be in the right place at the right time lately.
These playoffs are just getting started, but we’re already seeing some players step up when it matters most.
