NHL Stanley Cup Player Props Picks for Game 5

The Colorado Avalanche can win their second Stanley Cup with a win in Game 5 tonight against Tampa Bay. The Avs beat the Lightning in Tampa on Wednesday night and needed overtime to do so.

NHL Bookies

Nazem Kadri, who missed the previous four games, returned and scored the game-winner in the extra period. Teammate Nathan MacKinnon scored his first goal of the series.

Read our Lightning vs. Avalanche betting preview for game 5.

Will either player score again tonight? Here are the best NHL Stanley Cup player props picks for Game 5.

Cale Makar OVER 2.5 Shots (-180)

Makar was the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy when the Stanley Cup finals started. He remains in that position with seven goals and 27 points throughout the playoffs.

In his last three games, Makar has 18 shots on goal which gives him plenty of value on this shots prop. His average ice time so far in the finals is 27:18, which is the most of any player on either team.

Makar has excelled at home during the postseason. He has scored five of his seven goals and averaged 3.9 shots per game at home at Ball Arena. Makar plays on the power play too. Keep in mind that Colorado has scored with the man advantage in every game so far.

NHL Betting Odds

Andrei Vasilevskiy OVER 33.5 Saves (-122)

Colorado can win tonight’s game at home and win the Stanley Cup. The Avs are likely to crank up the offense and keep Vasilevskiy busy. In the four games so far, the Avs shot totals are 38, 30, 39, and 37.

Vasilevskiy performs at his best in these types of situations. In elimination games, the Tampa Bay goalie is straight up money. He’s 11-0 in his last 11 with six shutouts and a save percentage of .980.

If Colorado keeps up the pressure, Vasilevskiy will easily deliver on this prop.

Nathan MacKinnon OVER 4.5 Shots (-130)

As mentioned, MacKinnon scored his first goal of the series in Game 4. It wasn’t for a lack of trying. MacKinnon hit his shot prop again in Game 4 with eight shots.

The Avs star has hit this prop in six of his last seven games. Through the postseason, MacKinnon is averaging 5.77 shots per game. He leads all playoff participants with 104 shots.

NHL Predictions

Nathan MacKinnon OVER 0.5 Goals (+144)

When you take enough shots, good things happen. With MacKinnon scoring his first goal of the series in Game 4, it’s time for the flood gates to open.

MacKinnon has 43 goals in his previous 82 games. His shooting percentage was 10.7 percent in the regular season this year. It’s up to 11.5 percent in the postseason. It was only a matter of time before he scored his first goal of the Stanley Cup finals.

In a game of this magnitude, MacKinnon is just too talented. Plus, he gets enough opportunities per game.

Read our NHL player props betting guide.