- BetOnline has point spreads, money lines, and game totals for the four NHL Stanley Cup Playoff games on Thursday, May 12, 2022
- The Lightning have won 16-straight games following a loss over the past three postseasons
- Kirill Kaprizov’s playoff-leading 7 goals hasn’t been enough to beat the Blues
It’s desperation time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where four franchises face elimination on Thursday night. The Bruins, Wild, Oilers, and two-time defending champion Lightning all need victories in Game 6 to force do-or-die Game 7s on Saturday night.
Who will live to see another day? Who’s going golfing? Let’s check the odds for all of tonight’s National Hockey League postseason action. Here’s also where you can find the top betting sites for NHL hockey in 2022 and smart wagering tips in our 2022 Stanley Cup betting guide.
NHL Playoff Games – Thursday, May 12
Bruins vs. Hurricanes
Charlie McAvoy’s surprise return from COVID-19 protocols wasn’t nearly enough for the outmatched Bruins on Tuesday. The Hurricanes cruised to an easy 5-1 victory to take a 3-2 series lead and, through five games, are now outscoring Bruce Cassidy’s club 12-6 during 5-on-5 play.
If Carolina can stay out of the penalty box tonight, they will get their revenge on a Boston team that has knocked them out of two of the past three postseasons.
Final score prediction: Hurricanes 3, Bruins 2 OT
Another Surge in Raleigh!! pic.twitter.com/2nHfpsaimN
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 11, 2022
Lightning vs. Maple Leafs
Down 2-0 in the first period of Game 5, Toronto’s young stars came to life in the game’s final 40 minutes to score a 4-3 comeback win over the Cup champs. William Nylander had three points, and Auston Matthews sniped the go-ahead goal in the third to give Sheldon Keefe’s squad the 3-2 series lead.
The problem, of course, is that the Maple Leafs are no strangers to blowing playoff leads, and Tampa Bay has won 16-consecutive games following a loss over the past three postseasons. Look for Lightning to strike a 17th time in Amalie Arena on Thursday night.
Final score prediction: Lightning 3, Leafs 1
Blues vs. Wild
When star players demand a trade, sometimes it’s better not to grant the request. From Stanley Cup champion to malcontent to playoff hero again, Vladimir Tarasenko’s natural hat trick led the Blues to 5-2 triumph in Game 5.
His countryman Kirill Kaprizov leads the NHL with seven playoff goals after scoring twice in the first period. But that’s all the offense Minnesota could muster against Jordan Binnington, whose 30 saves gave him a franchise-record 18th career postseason victory. Look for an experienced St. Louis team to close out the Wild at home on Thursday.
Final score prediction: Blues 4, Wild 2
Vladimir Tarasenko’s two goals in 68 seconds is a Blues #StanleyCup Playoffs record, surpassing Brendan Shanahan’s two goals in 85 seconds during the 1994-95 season. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/Db7k2ivj2c
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 11, 2022
Kings vs. Oilers
After outscoring the Kings 16-2 in Games 2 and 3, Edmonton is facing elimination after losing two straight. The Oilers rallied from 3-1 down on Tuesday night, but Adrian Kempe scored 1:12 into overtime to give L.A. the 4-3 win and 3-2 series lead heading home to Hollywood.
The Oilers wasted incredible performances from Connor McDavid (1G, 2A) and Leon Draisaitl (2G, 1A) and will now likely be without their best defenseman for a must-win Game 6 after Darnell Nurse head-butted Phillip Danault.
Final score prediction: Kings 4, Oilers 3
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