NHL Predictions and Best Bets:

Here are tonight’s NHL predictions and best bets for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes.

Vegas Golden Knights (+126) at Carolina Hurricanes (-150)

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Total 6 (Over, -120)Game 5 – Series tied at 2

8 p.m. ET

The Final now shifts to Carolina for the pivotal Game Five, as the Stanley Cup Final has become a best-of-three. Brandon Bussi, who took over from Freddie Andersen to start the third period in Game Three, got the start and a win in Game Four and is expected to get the start in goal for Carolina in Game Five.

There has been no shortage of excitement in the Cup Final, as we have seen each team blow multiple goal leads in all four games. In a series projected as low-scoring, the 36 combined goals through four games have obliterated the Over/Under of 31.5 total goals available to wager on before the Stanley Cup Final got underway. We have had no fewer than seven combined goals in any of the first four games of the Final. Sportsbooks are no longer offering 5.5 total goals for the game, and most “books” have the total at 6.5, but there are flat 6s available, so shop around.

I will once again play both teams alternate puck line (+2.5) and parlay that with Over 4.5 goals to get plus money. You can also substitute the Over 4.5 with Both teams to Score 2+ goals. Regardless, both parlays pay the same. With both teams scoring three goals or more in all four games, I will also be on the prop of Both teams to Score 3+ goals at a nice plus money price (+200).

The Hurricanes’ win in Game Four ran their streak to 14 wins off a loss (11 regular season and three playoffs). The Golden Knights have lost consecutive games only once (Games Two and Three vs Utah) under head coach John Tortorella and have won nine consecutive odd-numbered games in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. 

On to the player props. The Canes’ Jordan Staal became the fourth player in Final history to score a goal in each of the first four games, and he is still available at a juicy price (+400). I am also going to jump on his assist prop (+265). Staal has also had two shots on goal or more in all four games of the final and 3+ in three of the four games. The Hurricanes Taylor Hall and the Knights Mark Stone have had at least three shots on goal in each of the last three games. Brett Howden’s 14 goals for VGK lead all players in the postseason. 

NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Vegas +2.5/Canes +2.5/Over 4.5 goals (+103) – 3 units
Vegas Money Line (+126) – ½ unit
Both teams to score 3+ goals (+200) – ½ unit
Jordan Staal Over ½ assist (+265) – .10 units
Jordan Staal Over 1.5 shots on goal (-145) – 2 units
Jordan Staal Over 2.5 shots on goal (+170) – ½ unit
Jordan Staal anytime goal (+400) – .10 units
Taylor Hall Over 2.5 shots on goal (+110) – 1 unit
Mark Stone Over 2.5 shots on goal (+170) – 1 unit
Brett Howden anytime goal (+240) – .10 units

 

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