We’ve got a pair of Game 5s on tap, including one team on the brink of elimination. It could be curtains for the New Jersey Devils unless something drastic happens. Seattle and Dallas are still splitting hairs as they enter Game 5. When we think we have the series figured out for one team, the other wakes up and takes charge.
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It’s time for picks.
During the Stanley Cup playoffs, The Athletic’s writers will make their straight-up picks. You’ll find picks, coverage and the latest odds here. Our in-depth NHL coverage is linked below the picks.
All odds from BetMGM and update live.
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Game 5 – Hurricanes at Devils
7 p.m. on ESPN, SN, CBC
The Devils had their Game 3 explosion, exposing a notable crack in the Hurricanes — their goaltending. Except, it didn’t matter in Game 4. In fact, the Devils’ own goaltending issues were more apparent. Scoring has been an issue outside of that third game, as they haven’t scored more than a goal in each loss. If Thursday ends up being the end of New Jersey this postseason, while they might be satisfied with a second-round appearance, it’ll be disappointing to see players like Timo Meier (one goal in 10 games) not make a significant impact throughout their campaign.
Game 3 was just a blip for the Hurricanes, it looked like. They’ve dominated, and they could very well end this series on Thursday. The Canes’ depth continues to impress without a few goal-scorers. In Game 4, Marty Necas and Jordan Martinook (!!!) emerged as heroes. That’s the output you need from your players when your best players aren’t available. Even Frederik Andersen, who looked mortal in Game 3, rebounded with a solid 21-save performance. Unless the Canes slip at the wheel, Game 5 is theirs to lose.
Game 5 – Kraken at Stars
Series tied 2-2
7 p.m. on ESPN, SN, CBC
Neither team has held the series with a firm grasp yet. Each team has traded a win to this point. It’s as close as it can get, even if the scores haven’t all been like that. If you’re Seattle, your balanced approach has brought you to this point, and you continue to lean on it. But Philipp Grubauer can’t have another stinker like he did in Game 4. Five goals on 22 shots, leading to a .773 save percentage before being pulled. It’s his worst performance of the postseason so far. He remains a major key for Seattle to remain alive in the playoffs.
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Dallas solved Grubauer in Game 4 thanks to a mix of scoring heroes, including Max Domi, who is quietly having a solid postseason with three goals and 10 points in 10 games. He’s already surpassed his playoff output from his last two postseason campaigns in Montreal and Carolina. Of course, Roope Hintz still leads the way with 15 points, lodged in a three-way tie with Matthew Tkachuk and Connor McDavid for second in playoff scoring. We’re still waiting for Jason Robertson to explode, but the Stars can live with that if everyone else plays well. They’re favoured to win again and will be proven right if they break Grubauer again.
(Photo of Yanni Gourde and Jake Oettinger: Jeff Halstead / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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