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Islanders vs. Hurricanes Game 5 prediction: NHL Playoffs odds, picks, bets
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Patrick Roy pivoted back to his Cadillac in favor of the Ferrari in the Islanders’ 3-2 Game 4 double-overtime win over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
In Roy’s analogy, the more experienced Semyon Varlamov is “comfortable,” while the younger and flashier Ilya Sorokin can “be a little more bumpy.”
Comfort is exactly what Varlamov provided.
The 36-year-old yielded two goals on 44 shots as the Islanders forced Game 5 when Mathew Barzal scored in the second overtime.
The Hurricanes doubled the Isles in power-play opportunities while coughing up 11 fewer turnovers and Varlamov stood strong — even when the momentum was relinquished to Carolina from the second period on.
Islanders vs. Hurricanes Game 5 prediction
(7:30 p.m. ET, TBS)
Team | Puck line | Moneyline | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Islanders | +1.5 (-205) | +190 | o5.5 (-106) |
Hurricanes | -1.5 (+120) | -235 | u5.5 (-115) |
In fact, Varlamov has been at his best when facing high-danger scoring situations; he has allowed one goal against 38 of them in this series, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Varlamov owns a third-best overall 4.7 goals saved above expected entering Monday.
Frederik Anderson, who has displayed unerring play throughout the four games, is No. 5 with 2.2 xGSA.
The Isles have been overwhelmed in keeping pace with the ’Canes, but they are combatting the stiff play with desperation hockey.
Betting on the NHL?
If Varlamov’s engine continues running smoothly, it’s a tangible recipe for another low-scoring elimination game Tuesday with Carolina holding the 3-1 series edge.
Carolina is a heavy -235 home favorite to end this first-round series and advance to face the Rangers, who eliminated the Capitals on Sunday with a four-game sweep.
The Islanders have +190 odds at BetRivers to send the series back to Long Island for Game 6.
THE PLAY: Islanders-Hurricanes Under 5.5 goals (-115, BetRivers)