The first-round series between the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames has been very close, with the Stars clinging to a 2-1 lead. The Flames look to even things up before the series heads back to Calgary, and that leaves plenty of options for prop bets. This betting guide will deliver some of the better value plays for player props entering Game 4.
Matthew Tkachuk Anytime Goal Scorer (+180)
Matthew Tkachuk is primed to break out of his goal-scoring slump in this series. He got his second assist of the series in the Game 3 loss, but more importantly, he got in his second fight of the series, as well. That’s an indicator that Tkachuk is finally immersed in the series and should be ready to break out. The top line looked good in Game 3, piling up 13 shots.
Tkachuk entered the postseason on an eight-game point streak that featured five goals. He hasn’t gone four games in a row without a goal since March, and that drought could end in a big spot as Calgary tries to stay in control of their own destiny. He scored a couple of goals in the three regular-season games against the Stars, so it is a decent play to score a goal at these odds (+180).
Elias Lindholm Points (Over 0.5, -150)
Elias Lindholm has been Calgary’s best player throughout the series. He’s scored two of their three goals and continually racks up quality minutes. In Game 3, he was just four seconds shy of hitting 23 minutes and hasn’t played less than 19:58 in the whole series. That’s a lot of time for changes, and he’s delivered all season. Lindholm scored 42 goals this season while averaging just a few seconds shy of 20 minutes per game.
Lindholm also centers their top power-play unit, so he’ll get plenty of opportunities to score. Calgary’s back is against the wall, and the Flames should lean on their top line even more in Game 4. Lindholm had five shots on goal in Game 3. He had more than that only seven times the entire regular season. They’re going to need Lindholm if they want to even things up going back home, and he’s a good play to score at least a point (-150).
Roope Hintz Points (Over 0.5, -135)
It was a career year for Roope Hintz. His 37 goals were only one fewer than his previous two years combined, and his 35 assists were also easily a career-high. Hintz got his first goal of the series in Game 3 and started to fly around the offensive zone like he had all season. As things open up a bit more for both teams, Hintz is a guy who’s going to benefit. It helps that the Stars are in Dallas for Game 4, too, since 20 of Hintz’s goals came at home this season.
Both teams got a little comfier in the offensive end in Game 3, and the top line for Dallas really looked like it was finding more space. Hintz has also steadily gotten his footing. His number of shots has increased every game, and he logged a whopping 21 minutes of ice time in Game 3. Expect that trend to continue, and give Hintz a look at scoring at least a point (-135).
Odds via FanDuel and BetMGM
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