One more win.
That’s all that stands in the way of the Edmonton Oilers and a berth in the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006.
The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue tonight with a pair of pivotal Game 5’s, one of which being a potential elimination game.
All eyes in this country will undoubtedly be on the Battle of Alberta as it resumes in Calgary with the Flames trailing 3-1 in the series following a crazy 5-3 loss in Game 4. Meantime, the Hurricanes and Rangers, who are down to a best-of-3, will collide in Raleigh. The home team has won all four games in that series.
Here are some prop bets to consider:
PROP 1: Johnny Gaudreau Anytime Goal (+160) + Over 3.5 SOG (-115)
Let the intrigue begin, could this be Johnny Gaudreau’s final game as a Flame? After tallying five assists over the first two games of the series, the 28-year-old pending UFA was held pointless in both games in Edmonton. Furthermore, after potting 40 goals in the regular season, the winger has just two in 11 postseason outings. As for the shot prop, Gaudreau has cleared the 3.5 number in six straight and eight of nine dating back to Round 1. Simply put, it’s time for Johnny Hockey to step up.
PROP 2: Matthew Tkachuk Over 2.5 SOG (-160)
Ever since netting a hat trick in the series opener, Tkachuk has been held in check as well tallying just one measly assist over the past three games. If Calgary is going to stave off elimination, they’ll need the best version of Tkachuk. And that’s the shooting one. At the very least, we know brother Brady will be raring to go tonight.
PROP 3: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 Points (-150)
Death, taxes, and Connor McDavid multi-point efforts. The Oilers captain has 11 points through four games against Calgary and 25 overall in 11 playoff outings. In fact, the only time he hasn’t notched at least two points was Game 4 against Los Angeles in Round 1 when he was held pointless. Insane, right? This guy is not human.
PROP 4: Anthony DeAngelo Over 0.5 Assists (+150)
After a monster start to his postseason, the former Ranger is now mired in a dismal five-game point drought. That said, the Canes are back on home ice and unsurprisingly, that’s where DeAngelo did most of his damage in the opening round against Boston. In six home games, the blueliner has tallied one goal and six helpers. Moral of the story: DeAngelo’s due for an apple.
Betting odds listed above via the Bet365 Sportsbook as of Thursday afternoon.
