On Tuesday, the Stanley Cup playoffs shift focus to a pivotal Game 4, where the Dallas Stars will face the Winnipeg Jets at 8 p.m. ET. The Stars currently hold a 2-1 series lead in their quest to claim the Central Division’s spot in the Western Conference finals.
According to ESPN BET, Dallas is the favorite to win the series at odds of -340, while the Jets sit at +270 for a potential comeback. The Stars are also favorites to capture the overall Stanley Cup at +325, in contrast to the Jets, who are at +1500.
Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor has been a standout performer, accumulating 13 points in just 10 postseason games, marking his place among the franchise’s top playoff performers. His performance is overshadowed only by notable players from 2018, including Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. However, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has experienced stark performance differences based on location, being 5-1 at home with a 1.99 goals-against average, while struggling on the road with a 0-4 record and a GAA of 6.63.
Meanwhile, the playoffs have seen Mikko Rantanen break new ground, as he becomes the first player in NHL history to record five three-point games within the first ten postseason games. His playoff points-per-game average now stands at 1.31, ranking him among legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
In other news from Monday’s playoff action, the Carolina Hurricanes secured a commanding 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals, moving them one win away from the Eastern Conference finals. The Oilers also showed resilience, with a 3-0 win against the Vegas Golden Knights, marking them one victory away from the Western Conference finals, led by Adam Henrique’s two-goal performance and a shutout from goaltender Stuart Skinner.
This playoff season has showcased exceptional talents and dramatic matchups, maintaining excitement as teams grapple for a chance at the prestigious Stanley Cup. As the playoffs progress, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for the upcoming games that could shape the legacy of the 2023 postseason.