We're backing the Stars, who are back home in Big D

Our focus today goes primarily toward the ice. We as fans are in desperate need of one of these conference finals turning into actual competitive series, and our last hope lies in Dallas tonight between the Stars and Golden Knights.

Backing the Stars with their backs against the wall

Vegas took both games to begin the Western Conference Final, each of which took overtime to determine a winner. The OT component at least goes to highlight that these games have been competitive despite the win going to the Golden Knights both times. Dallas was controlling much of Game 2 before a late goal forced overtime, and while it was a hit to the Stars' series chances, all hope is not yet lost.

We have one of our favorite situations presenting itself this evening: a home team returning home down 0-2 in the series. Picking said team was a popular trend last year, but unfortunately it's been a rarity this postseason.

There have been only two instances of a team returning home down 0-2 in this year's playoffs, but in both cases, the home team delivered. A look:

• Islanders in Round 1: 37 shots, 5 goals. Win.
• Devils in Round 2: 34 shots, 8 goals. Win.

That's all the validation we need to see. We're betting Dallas to win. The Stars' moneyline is currently set in the -140 range, and we'd love to bring that closer to even money.

DraftKings has a 25% boost for this game tonight, with one to be used on a straight and another on a SGP. That should help.

In Dallas' eight wins this postseason, the Stars have averaged 4.38 goals per game, scoring at least three in all but one. At home, they've averaged an even 4.0 goals per game this postseason.

Here's how we're playing it tonight:

• Dallas moneyline
• Dallas over 2.5 goals

Without the boost, that comes in at a clean -110. With it, you can grab this combo at +113 on DK. That's how we'll lock it in. Go Stars!

In the news ...

Nuggets advance to first NBA Finals in franchise history — That's all she wrote in Denver! The Nuggets mounted a furious third-quarter comeback and took down the Lakers in just four games, winning Game 4 by two. This will be the first Finals appearance for Denver in the organization's history, and the Nuggets are the heavy favorites to win it all. Currently, the Nuggets are -280 to win the championship. Nikola Jokic is -220 to win Finals MVP, and he logged another triple-double in Game 4, his eighth of the postseason.

Sergei Bobrovsky blanks Panthers, Florida on the doorstep of Stanley Cup Final — Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky posted his first career playoff shutout, and the Florida Panthers moved one victory away from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final by claiming a 1-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. The Panthers are up 3-0, and Bobrovsky's odds to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' best overall performer currently sit at +210.

Carmelo Anthony retires from NBA — After 19 seasons, Carmelo Anthony officially retired from the NBA. Anthony leaves the league as its ninth-highest scorer all time. He made 10 All-Star teams, won the 2013 scoring title and brought home three Olympic gold medals. Anthony seems bound for the Hall of Fame.
 
Tom Brady reportedly buying minority stake in Raiders — Well, it seems likely Tom Brady is retired for good. Reports suggest that Brady is set to buy a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady already owns a piece of the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA, and both the Aces and Raiders are owned by Mark Davis. Technically, if Brady did feel an itch to play again, the only team he'd be able to do it for would be the Raiders, assuming his ownership stake is finalized.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll