Expert Picks for NHL Matches on May 14th
NHL Game Five Predictions: A Massive Showdown - Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights
It's a night filled with tension as the NHL playoffs heat up! Here's your lowdown on Game Five predictions for the Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights duels.
Florida Panthers (-145, 5.5) VS Toronto Maple Leafs
Series tied 2-2 - 7 p.m. ET
The home-ice advantage looms large in this titanic clash between the Panthers and Maple Leafs. Both teams have successfully defended their home turf thus far, setting the stage for a pivotal Game Five. Maple Leafs might roll out new faces with Nicholas Robertson, David Kampf taking the field, while two of Calle Jarnkrok, Bobby McMann, and Pontus Holmberg could make room on the bench. With Mike Stolarz still out, Joseph Woll will guard Toronto's goal once more.
The Panthers' victory in Game Four means the Leafs better score the opening goal tonight – it's a spectral sight indeed for home teams playing after a Round Two loss. History tells us that six out of seven home teams scored the initial goal following this ominous scenario, and in four of those six games, the home team netted the game's first goal within the first period.
Although Brad Marchand's point streak ended in Game Four, we're backing him once more. After all, the man ranks third all-time in playoff points against Toronto with 33 points in 32 games. Aaron Ekblad, who's tallied assists in three sequential games, also seems a promising bet.
Lastly, be aware that tonight will be the sixth game in which a team was shut out in their previous game. In the preceding five shutouts during the playoffs, the next game registered over the total in every single one.
Game Five Predictions:- Toronto Maple Leafs to score 1 goal +105 - 1 unit- Panthers/Leafs Over 5.5 (-120) - 1 unit- Brad Marchand Over 1/2 assist +220 - .25 units- Brad Marchand Anytime Goal +300 - .25 units- Aaron Ekblad Over 1/2 assist +160 - .25 units- Matthews/Tavares Over 2.5 SOG parlay +154 - .25 units
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights (-130, 6.5)
Edmonton leads series 3-1 - 9:30 p.m. ET
If you thought momentum didn't carry from game to game, you'd best think again. Edmonton demonstrated their grit in Game Four, rebounding after losing Game Three with just 0.4 seconds left in regulation. They scored 87 seconds into the opening period and then cemented a 2-0 lead for the second game running. Vegas looked sluggish and struggled to generate scoring opportunities in their last outing.
Home ice advantage has ruled the roost in this year's playoffs, with home teams winning 43 out of 63 games. However, the Knights are 0-2 at T-Mobile in this series and 2-3 overall in the postseason. Among the eight remaining teams in the playoffs, Vegas is the lone ranger with a losing record on home ice.
After witnessing Edmonton's stunning comeback in Game Four, we're leaning towards the Oilers tonight. However, keep in mind Vegas has a propensity for scoring the opening goal in games following an opponent's loss. We're also fans of the over in this one, considering Vegas's offense has mostly dried up throughout the tournament.
Game Five Predictions:- Oilers Team Total Over 3 (-140) - 2 units- Oilers/Knights Over 6.5 (-125) - 1 unit
Expert picks for the continuing NHL playoffs suggest that Brad Marchand could score at least half an assist (+220) and possibly a goal (+300) for the Florida Panthers, as he has a history of high point totals against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In theother game, the Edmonton Oilers, after their comeback victory in Game Four, are forecasted to score over 3 goals against the Vegas Golden Knights (-140). Additionally, the overall game total for the Oilers and Knights is expected to exceed 6.5 goals (-125).
