I'm surprised to see that the oddsmakers didn't open this Game 2 with an over/under of 6 instead of 5 1/2. I liked going Over 5 1/2 in Game 1 and there's no reason to not play Over again in Game 2.
There were 10 goals scored in Monday's Game 1. The total went Over before the middle of the second period. Both teams skated at a fast pace and there were many high-caliber shots on goals.
Las Vegas plays fast and is relentless. One of its major strengths was on full display in Game 1 - its fourth line scoring three goals in the third period. A strong scoring fourth line is rare and a huge plus for the Over.
The Capitals produced four goals. They accomplished this with superstars Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov combining for just two assists. Neither had a goal. I can't envision those two not scoring a goal for a second straight game.
Marc-Andre Fleury has been brilliant in the playoffs, but he wasn't that sharp in Game 1. Probably a nine-day layoff between games made Fleury rusty. But he did not look invincible. Capitals goalie Braden Holtby has a history of playing better at home than on the road.
There were plenty of scoring opportunities in Game 1 even with 10 goals scored. This was during 5-on-5 hockey, too, as each team only had one power play opportunity. There likley is going to be more penalties called in Game 2 leading to more power play chances especially after Tom Wilson decked Jonathan Marchessault with a blindsided hit that was late and cheap.
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