Stars vs. Lightning Game 5 Prediction, Stanley Cup Final Odds
Kevin Shattenkirk’s power-play overtime winner in a back-and-forth Game 4 has put the Lightning in an excellent spot to clinch their first Cup in 16 years. To say it was a defeating 5-4 loss for the Dallas Stars is an understatement, but Tampa hasn’t finished the job yet.
Stars vs. Lightning Stanley Cup Playoffs Analysis
NHLA series-high nine-goal evening cashed in the over for a second-straight game. In fact, the under has yet to hit in the Stanley Cup Final, sitting at 0-2-2.
The lack of low-scoring games is what’s hurt Dallas so far too — a team that ranked second in goals against during the regular season. The Stars’ postseason defensive struggles also play directly into Tampa Bay’s favour as they rank fourth in postseason goals per game.
The over’s hit in 13 of these teams’ last 18 meetings, and with 6.5 goals per game this series it’s a wise trend to go back to — especially with a desperate Stars club.
Oddsmakers have Tampa Bay as -155 favourites to clinch Saturday, the total remaining at five.
Dallas Stars
You have to go back exactly one month to find the last time the Stars lost a game while scoring at least four goals. Dallas also blew both a 2-0 and 3-2 lead in Game 4, adding insult to injury.
A big reason for Dallas’ offensive surge came via in-roster juggling, as Rick Bowness moved Joe Pavelski up to the first line and moved Tyler Seguin down. The swap paid off as Pavelski notched his 11th and 12th postseason goals and Seguin recorded two assists.
Moving forward, Rick Bowness’ team has to stay out of the box. In Game 4 Tampa Bay scored three of their five goals on the man advantage, including the game-winner.
Stars’ forward Roope Hintz left Game 4 in the second period and didn’t return.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning were predictably without captain Steven Stamkos in Game 4, but once again they found a way to come out on top.
To no surprise it was Brayden Point leading the charge with two goals, his second giving him the league lead in goals with 13. Point and teammate Victor Hedman — who has 10 goals as a defenceman — are seemingly flip-flopping as the Conn Smythe favourite every game.
Andrei Vasilevskiy’s .892 save percentage this series hasn’t cost Tampa either. The Bolts are flexing their muscles while on the offensive, and it has Jon Cooper’s team one win away from a Stanley Cup after not winning a playoff game a year ago.
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