Blues & Bruins Still Seen as Favorites in Respective Series After Both Drop Game 2

• The Columbus Blue Jackets scored two power play goals in their Game 2 win over Boston
• The Dallas Stars are now 4-0 this postseason when they score at least 3 goals
• Ben Bishop is now 12-3 in his playoff career following a loss

The Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets won Game 2 of their second-round playoff series and have evened things up at a game each. As a result, the odds have changed significantly as both teams have stolen home-ice advantage from the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins. Is either underdog a good bet to win the series? Let’s take a closer look.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins Playoff Series Odds

*Odds taken 04/28/19

Blue Jackets Beat Bruins in Overtime

With the Blue Jackets-Bruins game going into overtime, that marked seven straight days of playoff overtime hockey. Not bad at all.

Duchene kicks the rebound to his stick and wins it for Jackets in 2OTs pic.twitter.com/BoURYxe2IB

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) April 28, 2019

Game 2 was a bit of a mixed bag as we didn’t have much offense early on and the game was mostly ugly in the first period. We also saw a scoreless third period, although there was plenty of action.

What we really saw in Game 2 is that Columbus belongs. While their loss in Game 1 was a bit disappointing, they were in it in Game 2 and obviously won the game. They showed that the first round was no fluke and they’re going to grind things out with Boston.

Bruins Will Bounce Back

I’m still on the Bruins as I was before. Taking a closer look at Game 2, I didn’t like their performance but I think they’re still fine. The two Blue Jackets regulation goals came on turnovers in their own zone. Charlie Coyle and Zdeno Chara both made uncharacteristically bad giveaways that immediately turned into goals.

Brutal Charlie Coyle turnover leads to Artemi Panarin’s second goal of the game pic.twitter.com/4foqqr9Mcn

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 28, 2019

Two of the three Blue Jackets goals came on the power play – including the game-winner. Boston should be more careful, but I expect this series to be back in Boston at worst tied 2-2.

Pick: Boston Bruins (-120)

Dallas Stars vs St. Louis Blues Playoff Series Odds

Stars Handle Blues in Game 2

I’m starting to get the feeling that the Stars may win this series. I’ve maintained that it’s going to be a close series the whole way, but after watching Game 2, I’m starting to wonder.

Dallas’ offense has been quite effective in the playoffs and we know that that’s their main weakness. They’re one of the best defensive teams in the NHL but if their offense is producing at least three goals, they’re going to win more often than not. They are now 4-0 these playoffs when scoring three or more and just 1-3 when scoring three or less.

So soft, so sweet. Hintz goes between the legs of a Blues defender to set up Miro Heiskanen with a gorgeous feed.#GoStars | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/tZanMv7dX3

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 27, 2019

The big difference for Dallas is they are getting production beyond the top line. Rookies Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen have been fantastic, combining for 10 points in eight playoff games. That’s taken a lot of pressure off of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and the top line.

The Blues did go 0-for-5 on the power play but the fact that goaltender Ben Bishop is playing so well and the Stars offense is clicking, I’m starting to think they can win this series. This would be a time where I would be investing in them.

Pick: Dallas Stars (-105)