Carolina Hurricanes (41-15-10) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (43-18-5)
Game Info: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 6:30 pm (PNC Arena)
Betting Odds: Carolina Hurricanes +104 / Tampa Bay Lightning -115 --- Over/Under: 5.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Carolina Hurricanes will host the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 5 of their 2nd round NHL playoff series. The Lightning have a 3-1 series lead after their game 4 win in Tampa.
Carolina was able to score 4 goals in the last game but had no answers for the Lightning’s offensive attack. Four different Hurricanes scored in the game and Svechnikov was their top contributor with two assists. On defense they allowed two power play goals and blocked just 7 of Tampa Bay’s shot attempts. Pert Mrazek got the start in net, allowed 6 goals on 26 shots in 57 minutes. He is 1-1 in two playoff appearances with a 3.9 GAA and .873 save percentage. They will likely go back to the more reliable Alex Nedeljkovic with their season on the line in game 5; he has allowed 2 goals per game in his prior two stars this series. Carolina has played some great defense at home in the playoffs; they lead all teams with 1.6 goals allowed per game.
Tampa Bay exploded for 6 goals in their last game, while converting on 3 of 7 power play opportunities. Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov both had 2 goals and an assist to lead the scoring for the Lightning. Kucherov leads the team with 12 assists and 17 points in the postseason. Andrei Vasilevskiy got the start and stopped 21 of 25 shots in the win. He has started all ten games for the Lightning in the playoffs and has a 2.46 GAA and .928 save percentage. Tampa Bay ranks fourth among playoff teams with 2.2 goals allowed per game on the road and a 28% conversion rate on the power play.
Carolina is 23-5-5 at home this season, 28-38 ATS, and the under is 32-28.
Tampa Bay is 19-11-3 on the road this season, 30-36 ATS, and the under is 32-31.
Carolina fought valiantly in the last game but could not keep up with Tampa Bay. The Lightning have continued their offensive success in the playoffs, and rank 2nd with 3.6 goals per game. The Hurricanes have not been able to find consistent success in net and will now have a tough decision heading into game 5. Tampa Bay does not have that issue and they have been the more potent offense all season. Look for the Lightning to wrap things up in this one.