Stars Lead Jets 1-0 in NHL Western Conference Semifinals

The Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference second round continues with the Dallas Stars leading the Winnipeg Jets 1-0 in the series after a 3-2 Game 1 victory highlighted by Mikko Rantanen's hat trick, making him the first player in postseason history to record a point on 12 consecutive team scoring plays. Despite the Jets being slight favorites to win Game 2 at home and having dominated the Stars during the regular season, Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger performed strongly in Game 1, limiting Winnipeg's scoring opportunities. Betting odds favor the Jets with a moneyline of -138 and a 1.5 point spread at +195, while the Stars have prop bets focused on shots on goal, with an over/under of 24.5 shots and -115 odds for the over. The Jets must avoid falling into a 0-2 series deficit, which would be difficult to overcome, especially given the Stars' depth and Rantanen's elite performance, while the Jets may be challenged by the possible absence of defenseman Josh Morrissey. Player props such as betting on Alex Petrovic to score remain unlikely given his lack of goals and shots this season, coupled with the Jets' strong defensive record allowing the fewest goals in the league.