The NHL Playoffs continue with two games on Thursday night. First up is the Hurricanes vs. Capitals Game 5, with the Hurricanes leading the series at 3-1 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, TruTV, and streaming on Max.
After that, we've got Game 5 of Stars vs. Jets, where the Stars lead the series at 3-1 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT, TruTV, and streaming on Max.
Let's get to my NHL best bets and predictions for Thursday, May 15.
NHL Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our NHL betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Hurricanes vs. Capitals
I think people expected this series to be a little closer than it has been.
The Washington Capitals have been dominant all season, especially at home. With their season on the line, this seems like the perfect opportunity to jump back on the wagon.
Washington has not been playing to its standard during this series. Its 5-on-5 play has been below average, while the Hurricanes have driven play at a slightly better pace.
Additionally, Logan Thompson has been much better at home (.955 SV%) than on the road (.873 SV%) during the playoffs.
The Caps are in a vulnerable position down 3-1. Still, let’s not forget that they were among the best teams at home this season, while Carolina struggled on the road.
If you have followed my bets, you’ll know I used the home/away strategy for Game 1, and that backfired.
Still, the numbers are right there. Thompson has a proven track record for being elite at home.
I'm rolling with the home team and backing the Capitals in Game 5.
Pick: Capitals ML (+145)
| |
Stars vs. Jets
Now, onto one of the more disappointing parts of these playoffs.
The Dallas Stars have more jump than the Winnipeg Jets, and it shows.
Mikko Rantanen is proving to be the superstar that Dallas knew it was getting at the trade deadline, with 19 points in these playoffs.
Also, the return of star defenseman Miro Heiskanen has been an enormous boost for a team that didn’t even need it.
To top it all off, Mikael Granlund single-handedly put the Jets into the dirt with a hat trick, as the Stars won Game 4 3-1
I’ve been such a fan of Connor Hellebuyck throughout his career. So, admittedly, watching him get lit up like a Christmas tree isn’t a pleasing sight.
His performances have run hot and cold – mostly cold – but you’re likelier to get a better performance out of him when he’s comfortably playing in the ‘Peg.
For the most part, I think this series has been pretty close, aside from Game 2. It may seem like Game 3 was a blowout, but it was reasonably close until Dallas pulled away in the third period.
Even though Dallas has had a lot more jump than Winnipeg this series, the Jets are infinitely better in front of their home fans.
The only outlier is potential overtime, which we may be in store for.
Whether it be a series win for the Stars or an extender for the Jets, I’m taking a flier and betting that this goes to overtime.
Pick: 3-Way Line: Tie (+310)
| |
