Stars’ Odds to Win Stanley Cup Improve to -109 After Game 1 Victory

• The Dallas Stars lead the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-0 in the Stanley Cup Final
• The Stars are now listed as favorites to win the series after entering Game 1 as sizable underdogs
• Here is what to expect from both teams in Game 2, including injury updates and lineup notes

It didn’t take long for a new favorite to emerge in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Dallas Stars beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 in the series opener. The Stanley Cup odds tracker shows there has been a dramatic shift heading into game two.

Dallas Stars vs Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final Odds

Odds taken Sep. 19th.

Prior to the series, the Stars were +160 underdogs, but their impressive performance in Game 1 has changed everything. The Lightning were once -180 favorites and are now underdogs by a slim margin. Here’s a look at storylines to consider from both teams heading in to Game 2.

Lightning Looked Healthy But Tired In Game One

Brayden Point played in Game 1, which was expected to be great news for Tampa Bay. The team was 4-0 against the New York Islanders in the conference final when he suited up. In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, however, he looked pedestrian at best. He finished the game with zero points and a team-worst -3 rating. Still, it’s positive that he’s able to suit up in the games. The Lightning’s chances of winning the series would improve even more if fellow superstar Steven Stamkos were to join him in the lineup, which hasn’t been ruled out.

Final numbers from Game 1. #TBLvsDAL pic.twitter.com/aGVkKDxp1F

— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 20, 2020

While Tampa Bay is almost at full strength, they did seem to look like the more tired team in the opener. They have been playing every other day while Dallas has been resting since Monday. Both teams will be equally rested from here on in, which will eliminate the advantage the Stars held in Game 1.

Stars Riding Wave Of Momentum Into Game Two

What’s not to like if you’re a fan of the Dallas Stars? Eleven different players recorded a point in the convincing victory in the series opener. Better still, they won without stealing energy from the tank of their best players. Each of the Stars’ top-four defenseman played a shade over 20 minutes. Sharing the burden will help keep individuals, such as young star Miro Heiskanen, fresh as the series progresses.

That’s a W https://t.co/DZr09x9LL3

— z – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 20, 2020

The biggest question mark of the series was whether could Anton Khudobin keep pace with Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Stars goalie answered that question in Game 1, stopping 35 of 36 shots for a .972 save percentage. Despite entering the season as the clear backup behind Ben Bishop, he is looking every bit the equal to the Vezina-nominee at the other end of the ice. The question between the pipes appears to have been answered and Dallas will enter Game 2rested and healthy as they attempt to take a 2-0 series lead.