Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 5: Prediction & Best Bets

Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes are set for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final Thursday night at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

The first four games of this series have produced chaotic back-and-forth action with plenty of momentum swings.

Thus, it's only natural that the series is tied up 2-2 and is now effectively a best-of-three series.

Will Vegas steal the momentum back on the road, or will Carolina be the first team to win back-to-back games in this series?

Either way, Game 5 is must-watch television for all hockey fans. Puck drop is slated for 8:10 p.m. ET Thursday.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes betting picks and predictions

Golden Knights ML (+130)

Since taking over as Vegas' head coach, John Tortorella has instilled his signature playing style that relies on structure, physicality, and shot-blocking.

It's produced great results, as the Golden Knights are 21-6-1 with Tortorella leading the way.

However, Carolina's physicality and strong net-front presence has given Vegas problems throughout this series.

Specifically, Jordan Staal has been a thorn in Vegas' side with five goals through the first four games and he's done the majority of his damage from in front of the net.

As lethal as Staal has been, Tortorella should be able to make the necessary adjustments. Vegas has been great at bouncing back under his leadership, as they have lost back-to-back games on just one occasion since he took over back on March 30.

The Golden Knights' veteran roster is full of Stanley Cup Final experience and they know how to turn things around under the brightest lights.

Furthermore, this series has been far too back-and-forth and far too unpredictable to back either team on the moneyline with juiced odds of -155.

In this pivotal Game 5 matchup, the juice may not be worth the squeeze to back Carolina. This series has been a wild rollercoaster ride through the first four games, but heading into such a pivotal contest, the value lies with the Golden Knights.

Under 6.5 (-130)

In a series that has featured plenty of goalscoring from both teams, all four games have gone over the total so far. That is somewhat surprising given the elite defensive structures that both Vegas and Carolina have in place.

Oddsmakers have adjusted by pushing the total for Game 5 to a series-high 6.5. That means now could be the time to zig when the market is zagging and back the under.

At their cores, the Golden Knights and Hurricanes are both defense-focused teams that put an intense focus on preventing Grade A scoring chances and bringing plenty of physicality.

Both also thrive at getting into shooting lanes and blocking shots.

Now that the series is tied 2-2 after four high-flying games, look for both Vegas and Carolina to return to their respective defense-first mentalities in this crucial Game 5.

That could result in a more conservative style of play on both ends of the ice as each team looks to avoid being out of position and giving the other offensive attack an opening.

Furthermore, it seems likely that Carolina turns to Brandon Bussi over Frederick Andersen in Game 5.

Bussi has been the hot hand that Carolina has needed between the pipes and he is playing with plenty of confidence after impressive performances in both Games 3 and 4.

With a total of 6.5, consider the under.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes odds

Golden Knights	+130
Hurricanes	-155
Puck Line	VGS Golden Knights +1.5
Total	O/U 6.5

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes player props

Anytime goalscorer

Andrei Svechnikov (CAR Hurricanes)	+205
Logan Stankoven (CAR Hurricanes)	+210
Mitch Marner (VGS Golden Knights)	+220
Jack Eichel (VGS Golden Knights)	+220
Seth Jarvis (CAR Hurricanes)	+220
Nikolaj Ehlers (CAR Hurricanes)	+240

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.