We’re inching closer and closer to the Conference Finals. A few teams could officially clinch or come very close to doing so with a win in Game 5. In this article, we’ll tell you the three NHL teams that will indeed win — not just for themselves, but for bettors that back them with bets too. There’s money to be made so keep on reading.
The Devils are on the brink of elimination down 3-1 in the series AND on the road. In this Game 5 matchup, we’re eyeing the Carolina-New Jersey puck line, more so than the regular moneyline. Yes, we get that’s more risky, but it’s almost the weekend and we feel good about this one. Before we get to why, here are the latest odds, per the best NHL betting sites:
We sense New Jersey is finished. They absolutely face-planted in a 6-1 loss last time out on their home ice. Those types of defeats leave a lingering feeling of inadequacy. And honestly, the feeling is warranted as the Canes have been the clear-cut better team.
If you take out Game 3 (the Devil’s lone series win at 8-4), this has been the most one-sided series of the current round. Carolina has outscored its opponents 17-3 in those other meetings. Based on those scores alone, it’s obvious New Jersey has had awful goaltending this series. Akira Schmid started the first two games, accumulating a lowly .806 save percentage. Vitek Vanecek started the next two and hardly did better with a .825 save percentage.
It doesn’t matter who starts Game 5 — Schmid or Vanecek — we fully anticipate the Canes to go off on them to the tune of at least five goals. If so, covering the two-goal puck line becomes increasingly possible. That’s why they’re getting our money here. Carolina would love nothing more than rest before starting the Eastern Conference Finals so you’ll know they’ll bring it at home.
We go from the league’s least competitive second-round series to the most competitive with this one. The series is tied at two games apiece. As it stands, the home-ice Stars are comfortable betting favorites to topple the Kraken in Game 5. Here are the odds both ways:
Honestly, we’re flabbergasted that Dallas is as much as -190 favorites. We mean, have the bookmakers watched this series? It’s been wildly unpredictable with violent momentum swings for each side. No team has won consecutive games, and only one matchup was decided by one goal. The other three? Differences of two goals, five, and most recently, three. Given that, a line of -190 for either team feels too rich.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about this Seattle team is to never doubt ‘em out — not even after flat performances like they had in Game 4. How many times were they written off the last series versus Colorado, the defending champions? Probably at least three times, but battled back to win in Game 7.
We think getting this scrappy group at +160 odds is an absolute steal. The team’s goal- and points-leader, Jared McCann, is back from injury and could give them a spark on Thursday night. So screw it, we’re betting on the Kraken. This series has been unpredictable throughout, why change the script now?
They ain’t done yet. With their back against the wall, down 3-0 in the series, Maple Leafs gutted out a 2-1 victory to return the series to Canada. Bookies are bullish on them at home as Toronto are convincing favorites to win over Florida in Friday’s Game 5:
For once this series, the Leafs got needed production from its “core four” of star players — John Tavares, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner. The group had been held scoreless but both Nylander and Marner chipped in goals to save the season last time out. Despite how underwhelming the team’s top stars have been, Toronto has only been outscored 11-8 this series. In other words, they’re right in it.
We expect the core four to help will the Leafs to a Game 5 win, which would put the pressure solely back on the Panthers. Betting the favorites here makes sense to us.
Now that you know who to bet on for NHL playoff games this Thursday and Friday, the last thing you’ll need to make money is to actually place these bets at a trusted bookmaker. In case you need one, you can’t go wrong with one listed underneath. Not only do these sites offer the bets we covered, but a plethora more, including props.
Use the table below to select the best sportsbook for your dollar. We’ve included reviews and promotional details to help distinguish the sites from one another. Once you pick one to gamble at, you can sign up to the sportsbook in minutes. Less time registering, more time picking NHL bets — and what’s to complain about that?
About the Author
Fueled by his passion, he chose to pursue a career in sports journalism, where he covered a diverse range of sporting events, from high school games to professional leagues, over several years. Today, Eric has redirected his love for sports into the world of betting. When not sharing his expertise on betting through this platform, he can be found placing bets at sportsbooks. Eric's extensive knowledge of sports and years of experience make him a trusted and reliable source for betting tips and advice.
Read Eric's ProfileAsk Eric about this guide:
