Steve Starr
- Colorado is a -152 favorite to defeat the Lightning in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final
- The Game 1 winner has gone on to hoist the Cup 75.6 percent of the time since 1939
- Game 2 will take place on Saturday, June 18 at Ball Arena in Colorado
The Avalanche drew first blood over Tampa Bay in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, with Andre Burakovsky scoring 1:23 into overtime to give Colorado a 4-3 victory on Wednesday night.
Will the two-time reigning champions respond in Denver on Saturday? Before we examine the odds for Game 2, check out the top betting sites for NHL hockey in 2022 and find smart wagering tips in our 2022 Stanley Cup betting guide.
Stanley Cup Final – Game 2
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +1½ (-205) | +137 | Ov 6 (-101) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -1½ (+175) | -152 | Un 6 (-109) |
Game 1 recap
Colorado raced to a 2-0 lead with first-period goals from captain Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. After Nicholas Paul closed the gap, Jared Bednar’s club went up 3-1 on a two-man advantage following a soft penalty call on Mikhail Sergachev. The Russian defenseman then scored just 48 seconds after teammate Ondrej Palat in the second period to tie the game at 3-3.
Following a scoreless third period, Burakovsky capitalized on a turnover by Sergachev early in overtime to improve the Avs to 13-2 in the 2022 postseason. The 4-3 win was crucial for Colorado, who narrowly avoided becoming the first home team in 64 consecutive Cup Final games to lose when leading by two or more goals.
ANDRE BURAKOVSKY! THE GAME 1 OT HERO! #StanleyCup | #GoAvsGo | @Avalanche pic.twitter.com/D1DnEVkFs0
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 16, 2022
Can the Lightning rebound?
Since the NHL adopted a best-of-7 format for the Final in 1939, the team that has won Game 1 has gone on to win the Stanley Cup 75.6 percent of the time (62 of 82 series). However, Tampa Bay rebounded from a 4-1 Game 1 loss to the Stars in 2020 to claim their first of two Cups.
The Lightning also overcame a 2-0 series deficit to the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final. And gutted out a first-round victory over the Maple Leafs despite falling behind in the series three different times.
Game 2 betting preview
Colorado is -152 on the moneyline to win on home ice on Saturday while Tampa Bay is +137 to even the series at one game a piece. Prior to their Game 2 loss to the Rangers, the Lightning were 17-0 in games following a loss since the start of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Andrei Vasilevskiy also compiled a 1.47 goals-against average, .942 save percentage and five shutouts in those 17 victories after losses. So, safe to say, the 2021 Conn Smythe Trophy winner will rebound after allowing three goals in a first period of a playoff game for the first time in his career.
Andrei Vasilevskiy enters god mode when the series is on the line. 😤#StanleyCup | #GoBolts | @NHL pic.twitter.com/RczJdXSFgx
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 12, 2022
Over or Under?
UNDER six total goals (-109) is the slight favorite. Bettors expect Jon Cooper’s club to do a better job of slowing down the Avalanche’s high-powered attack in Game 2. After all, Colorado entered the series opener with nine full days rest, while the champs were still getting accustomed to the high altitude of the Mile High City.
However, the OVER (-101) is intriguing any time Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and company suit up. Don’t forget, Colorado reached the Stanley Cup Final with 65 goals in 14 postseason games – the highest scoring average (6.46 goals) in the NHL playoffs in 30 years.
Best Bet
Tampa Bay’s seasoned veterans know they have to come out of Game 2 with a victory. Expect the Lightning to tighten things up in their own end and come away with a hard-fought 3-2 win.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
