The Boston Bruins hadn’t come close to beating the Carolina Hurricanes all season. Then the Bruins went back to a familiar setup at home, and the Perfection Line delivered to tie up the series. This betting guide will offer some of the best value plays for Tuesday’s crucial Game 5.
Boston Bruins (+120) vs Carolina Hurricanes (-145)
Series Tied 2-2
Through the first five games between these teams this season, Carolina was 5-0, outscored the Bruins 26-4, and had what looked like a convincing 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. Enter Boston’s Perfection Line. The Bruins went back to the famed trio of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak, and they promptly piled up six goals and 10 assists in the last two games. But the series moves back to Carolina, and the Hurricanes are a different animal down there.
Carolina had the Eastern Conference’s third-best home record during the regular season. They allowed just 87 goals in those games—the fewest in the league—and boasted a goal differential of plus-48 in those games. Getting last change at home will be huge in countering the Perfection Line, and the Canes should bounce back in this spot. Carolina’s moneyline (-145) is playable, but the best play is on the total. Boston has found their scoring punch, and the over has landed in the last six games. Take the over (O6, +100) again here.
Andrei Svechnikov Shots (Over 2.5, -155)
After recording a goal and an assist in the first two games, Andrei Svechnikov didn’t score a point in the last two games in Boston. But it wasn’t because he didn’t have chances. Svechnikov was Carolina’s second-leading scorer this season and led them in shots on goal. He’s had at least three shots on goal in three of the four games of this series and will welcome a return back to Carolina.
Svechnikov averaged 3.3 shots per game at home and looks like a good play to continue the trend. The number is a bit steep for him to record at least three shots (-155) but looks like a very solid play. Carolina’s top line has delivered solid plays for bettors all series, and that will continue with Svechnikov’s shots. Give this number a good look.
Brad Marchand Assists (Over 0.5, +110)
Brad Marchand is one of the main reasons the Bruins have tied this series up, racking up three goals and five assists in the last two games. Because of the success of the Perfection Line, it’s almost impossible to ignore his impact. This number could be a little better, but it is a good play because Marchand is hard to slow down once he gets that scoring momentum going.
Marchand had eight multi-goal games this season. He followed seven of those eight games with at least a point in the next contest. The reunion with Bergeron and Pastrnak has been great for Marchand, and he should continue sharing the wealth. The odds are good for him to pick up at least one assist (+110), and it’s a great play considering how Marchand has played the last couple of games.
Odds via FanDuel and BetMGM
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