The 2022 Stanley Cup final is set to begin in Denver tonight as the Colorado Avalanche hosts Tampa Bay Lightning for Game 1. On the one hand, you have the Lightning, who are coming off a tough six-game winning streak against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals. They are trying to become the first team since the early 80’s to go backwards. Avalanche, meanwhile, has been out for nine days since sweeping the Edmonton Oilers into the Western Conference Finals. Colorado is looking for its third Stanley Cup in franchise history and its first since 2001. Now that you’re ready, here are some bets to consider for tonight’s start: PROP # 1: Cale Makar Over 0,5 assists (-160) Entering the series, the 23-year-old is the favorite in the bet to get the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs. In 14 games, he averaged 17 assists – including six in seven home games. In addition, Makar was well rested after a monster of five points (one goal, four assists) in the series clincher against the Oilers. This guy is working on a different planet right now. PROP # 2: Andrei Vasilevskiy over 32.5 Saves (-120) Andrei Vasilevsky entered the conversation. Out of a total of 14 playoff games, the Avalanche have averaged 40.7 shots per game. In addition, they have averaged 43.1 in seven home games. It goes without saying, but given who they face, it would be in Colorado’s interest to pepper Vasilevski as much as he can. Undoubtedly, the 27-year-old is firmly in contention for a second consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy, he was awesome. PROP # 3: Arthur Lehkonen Over 2.5 SOG (+100) Assuming the winger maintains his duties in the second line and in the first power-play, there are many things we can reveal with this game – especially in plus-money. In his last three outings, the 26-year-old scored 2.5 on all three occasions and has collected a total of 13 shots on goal. PROP # 4: Anthony Cirelli Over 1,5 SOG (-160) Over the last seven games, Cirelli has scored a total of 23 shots on goal, averaging 3.3 per game. In addition, the 24-year-old two-way forward has cleared the number 1.5 in four consecutive and six of the seven. Simply put, even with the return of Brayden Point tonight, take the hot hand. The betting odds listed above via Bet365 Sportsbook as of Wednesday afternoon.
