Best Betting Options for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals

Article By Chris Wassel

Last Updated: 2024 Mar 14

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Best Betting Options for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals

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The Stanley Cup Final heads to Denver Friday night with Game 5 between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. The puck drops just after 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Let’s break down the matchup to get you ready for your NHL betting.

Colorado Adjusted After Tampa Bay’s Early Surge

The Tampa Bay Lightning are still two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions. Colorado weathered the early storm on Wednesday as the Lightning peppered Darcy Kuemper and the Avalanche defense early and often.

Tampa Bay’s effort in the first 20 minutes made it look like Colorado might head back to Denver tied in the series. The Lightning enjoyed their best period of the series with seven high-danger chances. Unfortunately, they didn’t take advantage.

Colorado clawed its way back into Game 4. The Avalanche tied the game early in the second period on the man advantage. Despite Nathan MacKinnon returning to the goal column, the tie was short-lived as Victor Hedman found a way to capitalize on a Darcy Kuemper mistake. After 40 minutes, Tampa was still somewhat in control.

That changed gradually in the third period. Andrew Cogliano tied the game early, and Colorado seized momentum and the better scoring chances from that point onward. Tampa had a few moments, but Colorado kept up the pressure shift after shift. Finally, the Lightning cracked when Nazem Kadri scored late in overtime.

Ontario sports betting players had to feel good with the outcome even if the Over failed. The chances were there. Colorado heads back home with a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Colorado And Tampa Bay: Game 5 Keys

The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning played Game 4 somewhat like Game 3. For two periods, Tampa Bay looked every bit the defending champions that they are.

The Lightning scored just a goal in each period, however. Overall, their expected goals were 1.92 to Colorado’s 1.14 at home. The Avalanche started turning possession and every metric during the third period, particularly overtime.

Also, Tampa Bay had 10 high-danger scoring chances in the first 40 minutes. Colorado had just four. After that, the Avalanche had six of the final seven prime opportunities, including a crossbar and post hit.

Discipline remains vital for the Lightning. Colorado made them pay once on the power-play and nearly did a few other times. The Avalanche have an advantage as they are less hobbled than the Lightning. Nazem Kadri’s return injected new life in Colorado as the Avalanche could sustain momentum.

Colorado got an excellent performance from Kuemper. Canadian Sports Bettors watched the Under connect for a change. The Over 2.5 goals for Colorado helped wagerers cash some extra money and a few scoring props.

Game 4 featured a mere four power-plays. Will Colorado be able to continue to tire out a weathered Tampa Bay squad that had the life taken out of them on Wednesday night? Colorado enjoys a 1.57 moneyline and respectable 2.50 puckline for Game 5.

If the Avalanche attack like they did in Games 1 and 2 and the ends of 3 and 4, this series is over. Tampa Bay would need the most superhuman performances from Andrei Vasilevskiy, then pray for timely goals. That’s a tall order.