Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals is set for Thursday night, and this game could end up deciding the winner of the series. This series is currently tied up at 2-2, and the winner of Game 5 will take a decisive lead in this series.
Florida came into the series as a betting favorite, and they are back in this matchup after picking up a huge win in Game 4. The Panthers gave back home ice advantage after taking it in the series opener, but they are still favored.
New York is coming into this game in a must-win situation, and they will have the advantage of playing this game on home ice. The Rangers blew an early lead in Game 4, and they missed out on a chance to take a commanding lead.
The Florida Panthers are moneyline betting favorites at -120 on Thursday night, and the over/under line is set at 5.5 total goals.
Panthers Controlling the Puck
The Florida Panthers were a great offensive team throughout the regular season, but they have started to play a different brand of hockey in the postseason. Florida gave up just 2.4 goals against during the regular season as well, and that has been the difference in this series.
Sergei Bobrovsky is allowing just 2.29 goals against per game so far in the playoffs, and he will need to stand tall again in this one. Florida wants to take some chances on offense, but at some point they need to stand tall on defense as well.
Matthew Tkachuk has been the best offensive player for this team in the postseason as he has racked up 19 total points in the playoffs.
Rangers Must Cash In
The New York Rangers have the ability to be a good offensive team, but only when they cash in on their changes. New York missed some great shot opportunities in the Game 4 loss, and that just can’t happen on home ice.
Vincent Trocheck is leading the offense with eight goals and 19 total points in the playoffs, and he will need to spark the team on offense. New York is never going to explode on offense, but they are talented enough to make a big run.
Goalender Igor Shesterkin has been one of the best players in the postseason as he is allowing just 2.38 goals against in this series.
Panthers Pick Up Win
New York should have taken a 3-1 series lead with a win on Tuesday night, but they were not able to hang on to that lead. The Rangers continue to be a great defensive team, but they have also been able to find enough offense to win games in this series.
Florida has a ton of momentum heading into this matchup, and that should end up mattering in the final stages of this game. The Panthers just have so many weapons on offense, and they will find a way to break through to take a lead in the series.
Bet the Florida Panthers at -120 on the moneyline as they are going to find a way to win Game 5 of the series in order to take a lead.
