Steve Starr
- BetOnline has point spreads, money lines and game totals for the four NHL Stanley Cup Playoff games on Thursday, May 5, 2022
- The Rangers look to rebound from a 4-3 triple-overtime loss to the Penguins in Game 1 of their first round series
- Colorado scored five first period goals in an easy 7-2 victory over the eighth-seeded Predators
Heading into Game 2 of their respective first round battles, the Penguins and Rangers are still exhausted after playing six periods of playoff hockey on Tuesday night. The President Trophy-winning Panthers are licking their wounds following an upset-loss to the Capitals. Colorado couldn’t be more confident after a 7-2 annihilation of Nashville. And Calgary is readying for another tight-checking contest versus the Stars.
Let’s check the odds for all of Thursday’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 5
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1½ (-210) | +127 | Ov 5.5 (-126)) |
| New York Rangers | -1½ (+180) | -140 | Un 5.5 (+114) |
| Washington Capitals | +1½ (-115) | +216 | Ov 6.5 (-130) |
| Florida Panthers | -1½ (-105) | -242 | Un 6.5 (+118) |
| Nashville Predators | +1½ (+130) | +326 | Ov 6.5 (-123) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -1½ (-150) | -375 | Un 6.5 (+112) |
| Dallas Stars | +1½ (-130) | +201 | Ov 5.5 (+103) |
| Calgary Flames | -1½ (+110) | -225 | Un 5.5 (-114) |
Rangers vs Penguins
The Penguins overcame the losses of forward Rickard Rakell and starting goaltender Casey DeSmith to score a 4-3 triple-overtime victory over New York in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Igor Shesterkin made an incredible 79 saves – the second-most all-time in an NHL playoff game – before Evgeni Malkin’s deflection sealed the victory for Pittsburgh.
Given they’re almost three years younger on average than the veteran Pens, the Rangers have a better chance of bouncing back after a marathon Game 1. Take the Blueshirts to cover the +1.5 (+180) in front of the Madison Garden faithful on Thursday.
Final score prediction: Rangers 4, Penguins 2
GOODNIGHT FROM MSG! 😱
Evgeni Malkin's @SUBWAYCanada 3OT WINNER seals a Game 1 victory for the @penguins! 🐧 pic.twitter.com/sbKgn6QJX1
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 4, 2022
Panthers vs Capitals
The Panthers haven’t won a playoff series in 26 years and no President’s Trophy winner has hoisted the Cup since 2013. So, it’s more than a little concerning that the NHL’s highest-scoring team in the regular season fell 4-2 to the eighth-seeded Capitals on Tuesday. Washington could be without tough guy Tom Wilson in Game 2 (and possibly the rest of the series), but are loaded with Cup champion performers like Alexander Ovechkin and TJ Oshie. Andrew Brunette’s club will have to dig deep to even the series in Miami.
Final score prediction: Panthers 5, Capitals 2
Avalanche vs Predators
Everyone who loaded up on Avs in their playoff pool was laughing on Tuesday night as Colorado erupted for five goals in the first period of a 7-2 rout of Nashville. Backup goalie David Rittich was chased from the game early, which is especially troubling since Juuse Saros has already been ruled out of Game 2 with a lower-body injury. The Predators are a juicy +326 to even the series, but this does not look like a team that can skate with the high-powered Avalanche in their home arena.
Final score prediction: Avalanche 4, Predators 3
Nathan MacKinnon just CRUSHING this one for the Shot of the Night. 💥 #StanleyCup
NHL x @JagermeisterUSA pic.twitter.com/1cKOsYiwqe
— NHL (@NHL) May 4, 2022
Flames vs Stars
After leading the NHL with nine shutouts in the regular season, it didn’t take Jacob Markstrom long to pick up his first of the postseason. The 32-year-old netminder made a mere 16 saves to secure Calgary a 1-0 victory. Rick Bowness and the Stars seem to be employing the same tight-checking defensive hockey they used to eliminate the Flames in 2020, but Darryl Sutter clubs are always up for that challenge.
With far more talent at their disposal, look for the Flames to skate to another hard-fought, low-scoring victory in Game 2. Jump on the UNDER 5.5 (-114).
Final score prediction: Flames 3, Stars 1
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
