Cody Eakin was the hero for the Dallas Stars in so many more ways than one on Thursday night. Not only did he score the game-winning goal in overtime to level this series at two games apiece, but he also essentially made the save at the beginning of the third period on a bouncing puck that would've clearly beaten Keri Lehtonen and changed this entire series.
In spite of the fact that it feels like the St. Louis Blues have dominated this series, we've got a 2-2 series heading back to Dallas for Game 5.
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ODDS ANALYSIS
It's really been a fantastic series, and outside of the awfully lopsided Game 3, we've seen three games decided by a single goal, including two that went into overtime.
Still, as we stated at the top, it's tough arguing that Dallas has been anywhere near comparable. Seemingly all of the best scoring chances have belonged to the Blues, and the goals which the Stars have scored have almost felt like they came against the run of play.
That's why it wouldn't be surprising if the Blues were favored in Game 5. They were -105 and +102 in the two games here to kick off this series and might be better than that on Saturday.
GOALIE REPORT
It seems as though the carousel in net is for the time being in Dallas. This series is clearly Lehtonen's to lose now that he's won Game 5 in overtime after playing particularly well. He only stopped 24-of-26 shots, but he made a lot of big efforts in what was inarguably one of his best games in recent memory.
Brian Elliott allowed three goals on just 28 shots against, and the goal he allowed in overtime, though a laser, was certainly able to be reached. We'll have to see how he reacts to this overtime loss, though we have to imagine the Vezina Trophy finalist will be fine.
LIVE BETTING
Patrick Sharp and Jamie Benn were really nowhere to be found in this series, but they were fantastic in Game 4, and that's why this series is level. They both assisted on the game-winner in OT, and Benn also assisted on Sharp's power play goal in the second period to give Dallas a lead.
Sharp was always going to be crucial to Dallas' success in this second season. He was brought in from Chicago to bring that veteran presence which knows how to win a Stanley Cup. He was quiet without a single point in this series, but he did the job in a game his team really had to have and will be vital in Game 5.
QUICK PICK
The Stars have really lost the pace of this series, and if they can't make it so there are 30+ shots on net by each squad, they're going to be in a lot of trouble.
The shift back to Dallas should really help, though. The Stars are carrying a lot of momentum at this point, and we think this will be the game where Benn and his mates really get going again. For a series which St. Louis really looked to have control of after winning Games 2 and 3, it will be pushed to the brink of elimination on Saturday.
NHL Odds: Stars 5, Blues 3
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