NHL Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals, Game 5 Preview

The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for a crucial Game 5 in their Western Conference Semifinals matchup this Thursday night at Rogers Arena.

The series is currently deadlocked at 2-2, with the game set to commence at 10 PM ET. Edmonton emerged victorious in a tight Game 4, clinching the win with a last-minute goal by Evan Bouchard.

The series, marked by closely contested matches, promises another intense battle as these Canadian rivals face off once more. Here are the Oilers vs Canucks Game 5 predictions.

Game Details:

• Event: NHL Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals, Game 5
• Teams: Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks
• Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
• Time: 10:00 PM ET
• Location: Rogers Arena, Vancouver
• Broadcast: TNT
• Odds via BetOnline

Betting Odds:

• Edmonton Oilers: -140 (Implied win probability of 58.33%)
• Vancouver Canucks: +125 (Implied win probability of 44.44%)

Every game in this series has been decided by just a single goal, underscoring the evenly matched nature of both teams. Despite Edmonton’s slight edge as favorites, the outcomes have been anything but predictable.

Oilers Looking to Ride Momentum

Edmonton is slightly favored entering Game 5, bolstered by the dramatic late-game heroics in Game 4 where Evan Bouchard scored with only 38 seconds left.

Key contributions also came from Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Connor McDavid, with Calvin Pickard making crucial saves in goal. The Oilers showed strength on special teams, capitalizing on their power play opportunities.

As the series returns to Vancouver, the Oilers aim to leverage their road win momentum from Game 2, potentially setting the stage for a series victory in Edmonton with another win on the road.

Canucks’ Home Advantage

The Canucks have proven their mettle, surprising many by securing the Pacific Division and continuing to impress in the playoffs. Vancouver’s resilience was on display in Game 1 and they’ve maintained offensive pressure throughout the series.

Key players like Brock Boeser and JT Miller have been pivotal, with the team rallying from deficits to challenge the Oilers fiercely.

With the series shifting back to their home ice, where Vancouver has been particularly strong, the Canucks are poised to exploit the home crowd’s energy which has buoyed them to significant successes this season.

Game 5 Pick

Given the intense atmosphere expected at Rogers Arena and the Canucks’ strong home record, it seems reasonable to guess that Vancouver will capitalize on their home advantage to take Game 5. The Canucks are likely to come out strong, aiming to correct their slow start in Game 4 and push the series back to Edmonton with a lead.

Prediction: Vancouver Canucks to win as moneyline underdogs, setting the stage for a potential series clincher in Game 6.