The first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs has reached game five, and this is where the season will be won or lost for these Stanley Cup contenders. The Maple Leafs and Hurricanes hold a 3-1 series lead going into tonight’s games, while the two Western Conference series are deadlocked at 2-2. The team that wins game five in a 2-2 series goes on to advance 79% of the time, meaning the intensity of the pair of game five’s out West could not be higher. Here are your expert NHL picks and predictions for game five of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Senators vs Maple Leafs Odds
The Toronto Maple Leafs failed to sweep the Ottawa Senators in game four, but will have another chance to close out the series in game five. Ottawa will feel as though they should be at least tied, given how they have played thus far, but are still +125 underdogs to keep their season alive in Toronto.
| Ottawa Senators | Toronto Maple Leafs | |
| Moneyline | +125 | -175 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-200) | -1.5 (+140) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (-125) | Under 5.5 Goals (-112) |
Senators vs Maple Leafs Predictions
The Ottawa Senators played well to avoid the sweep, but the Cinderella story will come to an end tonight in the battle of Ontario. Toronto had several chances to close out the series in game four, and will not want their first round demons to come crawling back if this one gets sent to a game six. The Maple Leafs have the front-end talent capable of winning this game, and the Senators lack the goal-scoring depth to match the Leafs’ offense. Toronto is the better team all over the ice, and it is only a matter of time before Linus Ullmark costs his team another game and their postseason aspirations in the process.
Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline -175
Devils vs Hurricanes Odds
The New Jersey Devils are heavy underdogs against the Carolina Hurricanes in this matchup, but a loss would spell the end of their season. All three of the Hurricanes’ wins so far in this series have been by multiple goals, yet they are still -106 underdogs on the puck line for tonight.
| New Jersey Devils | Carolina Hurricanes | |
| Moneyline | +190 | -280 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-134) | -1.5 (-106) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (-106) | Under 5.5 Goals (-134) |
Devils vs Hurricanes Predictions
The New Jersey Devils had legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations before Jack Hughes went down with a season-ending injury a couple of months ago. They are deflated, struggling in front of the net, and look ready for the golfing season to begin. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes may be without Fredrik Andersen after he went down with a knee injury, but their star-studded talent will be too much for the Devils’ defense. Carolina has been truly dominant on both ends of the ice, and they will want to close out the series to rest up for what looks like a round two matchup against the Washington Capitals. They may need an empty net goal to seal it, but the Hurricanes will send the Devils packing with a multi-goal victory.
Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes Puck Line (-1.5) -106
Wild vs Golden Knights Odds
The Wild and Golden Knights appear to be headed for a game seven this year, as the series could not be closer through four games. The Golden Knights are favorites at home in game five, and the NHL odds have disregarded how the Wild have played in their recent meetings.
| Minnesota Wild | Vegas Golden Knights | |
| Moneyline | +160 | -230 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-150) | -1.5 (+110) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (-134) | Under 5.5 Goals (-106) |
Wild vs Golden Knights Predictions
There is no justification for Stanley Cup playoffs odds like these in game five of this series. Minnesota has been excellent in this series and is unlucky not to have a lead heading into game five. The Wild have been able to go toe-to-toe with one of the consistent Stanley Cup contenders, and there is no reason to expect a blowout in game five. Kirill Kaprizov and prospect Marco Rossi have been lighting it up offensively, and they will give either team a chance to close out the series at home on Thursday when they crush the Golden Knights in game five.
Prediction: Minnesota Wild Moneyline +160
Oilers vs Kings Odds
The Edmonton Oilers clawed their way back into the series with a pair of victories, but the Los Angeles Kings are still favorites at home in game five. The NHL odds favor a tight game, but it’s hard to look past the Kings’ 33-10 home record in the regular season and playoffs.
| Edmonton Oilers | Los Angeles Kings | |
| Moneyline | +105 | -145 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-250) | -1.5 (+171) |
| Total | Over 6.5 Goals (-106) | Under 6.5 Goals (-134) |
Oilers vs Kings Predictions
The Los Angeles Kings become a different team at home, and this is a game they will easily win thanks to gritty play on the defensive end of the ice. Darcy Kuemper has been solid in goal, and the Kings have looked excellent, apart from a few third-period collapses. They have been the better team throughout this series, and heroics from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the only reason this isn’t 3-1 for Los Angeles. The Kings will not only win this game as -145 favorites, but they will cover the puck line at +171 odds with a late empty netter too.
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings Puck Line (-1.5) +171
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