Texas Stars - Manitoba Moose predictions and free betting tips [26/04/2024]

American Hockey League. Calder Cup Playoffs 2024. Best of two series. The score, 1-0. This could potentially be the conclusive match of the series as if the home team emerges victorious, the series ends. Interestingly, this series kicked off first and might just be the only one finishing right away. Texas "Stars" will be hosting Manitoba "Moose".

Texas "Stars" 

Dallas's farm team did not perform brilliantly against their opponent during the regular season, and it seemed that this was one of their most challenging foes in the playoffs. Yet, we watched the first match and saw Texas "Stars" triumph. The win was well-deserved, and the series remained highly intriguing as "Stars" had the second highest goal tally in the Central Division. However, their goals conceded painted a somewhat grim picture, with only the fourth-best record in the conference. That said, Texas are a great team with a game style similar to their parent club. 

Manitoba "Moose"

It seemed that Manitoba, which came fifth in the division, got the most favorable opponent for the first playoff round, given they claimed victories in six out of eight meetings in the regular season. The "Moose", with 71 points from 72 matches, earned these thanks to 34 wins in regulation time, two overtime losses, and one shootout loss. They lost the remaining 35 matches without gaining additional points.

Furthermore, "Moose" have the third-worst goal against record in the division with 243. On the flip side, they are third in terms of goals scored in the division, with 225. But, all these impressive stats could not prevent them from losing the first match, meaning they are a step away from saying goodbye to this season.

Head to Head

This season, Texas "Stars" and Manitoba "Moose" squared off in eight matches. In these encounters, the "Stars" secured two victories with a 6:2 and 3:2 scoreline. "Moose", however, clinched the match six times with 3:2, 6:5, 3:2, 7:3, 6:2, 8:3 and 4:1 victories. The first playoff match went in favor of Texas with a 6:3 score.

Prediction

Texas "Stars" are the favorite to win this match, with odds set at 1.98. In contrast, the odds of Manitoba "Moose" winning stands at 2.90. Given the outcome of the first match, there is little doubt that the "Stars" hold the upper hand in the playoffs.

Total Goals Prediction

Regarding the total goals, I would opt for TO (5.5) at 1.58, given that both teams have surpassed this total in nearly all of their matches this season.