- What: Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks - Game 5
- When: Thursday, May 16th
- Where: Rogers Arena
The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks head into a pivotal Game 5 on Thursday night in the Western Conference Semifinals, with the series currently tied 2-2. The puck is scheduled to drop at 10 PM ET. Edmonton grabbed a nail-biter win in Game 4 on home ice thanks to a late Evan Bouchard winner in the third period. This has been a thrilling series thus far and it should be another entertaining contest here between two Canadian rivals. Continue reading for the Oilers vs Canucks Game 5 picks.
Before we get into the odds, preview, and prediction, make sure to check out our NHL Playoffs Page and our Stanley Cup Odds.
Oilers vs Canucks Game 5 Odds
The Oilers are a -140 favorite in Game 5 for an implied win probability of 58.33%. The Canucks return at +129 and have a 43.67% chance of taking the series lead. Edmonton has been the favorite in most games, but overall, it's been a very even series. In fact, every game has been decided by just one goal.
Oilers Looking to Ride Momentum
It's hard to say any team in the series has momentum because of how they've gone toe-to-toe every contest. But, Edmonton does have a little bit on Thursday after how things unfolded in Game 4. Bouchard literally scored with just 38 seconds remaining in the third period, sending Rogers Place into an absolute frenzy. Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins both got on the scoresheet as well, while Connor McDavid had one helper. Calvin Pickard, who has minimal playoff experience, shined in between the posts, making 19 saves on 21 shots.
The Oilers were 1 for 2 on the power play and outshot the Canucks 30-21 in this one. They had three penalties of their own, but thankfully Vancouver couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. In these playoffs, Draisaitl has been the leading man, registering eight goals and 12 assists. McDavid also has two goals and 16 helpers. It was a down season for the superstar in terms of scoring, but he did surpass 100 assists. His impact is undoubtedly felt. Bouchard, Zach Hyman, and Nugent-Hopkins are all in double-digits in points too in the playoffs. This is a very dangerous group.
While this is a massive game for both teams, Edmonton will be viewing this as a chance to possibly end the series at home if they can win Thursday in Vancouver. They managed to win on the road in Game 2 in overtime. Another outcome like that would be delightful for the Oilers, putting them on the brink of the west finals.
Can Canucks Take Advantage at Home?
Vancouver had such a fantastic season, ultimately winning the Pacific Division. But, at no point did anyone deem them Stanley Cup contenders. Perhaps it's the lack of playoff experience, but the Canucks are showing they're the real deal. Game 1 made a huge statement, coming down from 4-2 to win at home. From that moment, it was clear the Nucks were the real deal. After struggling to score the puck in round one against the Nashville Predators, Vancouver has stepped it up in round 2, scoring at least three times in all but one game.
Brock Boeser is the main man so far in the playoffs with 12 points. JT Miller also sits at 11, while Quinn Hughes, Nikita Zadorov, Dakota Joshua, and Elias Lindholm are are producing as well. It was a slow start for the Canucks in Game 4 though, not finding the back of the net until the third period when Connor Garland and Joshua both scored to tie it up before Bouchard's heroics. Another comeback was nearly completed.
Vancouver fans will be rocking on Thursday and will definitely play a part in the outcome, as they did all year for this squad. In fact, the Canucks lost a mere nine times in regulation at Rogers Arena. Clearly a place where Rick Tochett's group thrives. Game 5 will be huge.
Oilers vs Canucks Game 5 Picks
The energy at Rogers Arena cannot be underestimated and I think the Canucks will have a sour taste in their mouth after coming out of the gates slow on Tuesday. I like Vancouver to win this one as a moneyline underdog and head back to Edmonton with the chance to advance.
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