Washington vs Philadelphia NHL Playoffs Game 5 Betting Guide
Posted by Henry Watkins on Thursday,April 21, 2016 11:17, EDT in
There is no pressure in sports quite like that which teams face once the postseason gets off and running. Knowing that the next game might be your last can make even the strongest of teams a little weak in the knees. That pressure is relative, though, as there are some teams that carry more than others. The heaviest burden heading into this NHL playoff season has to be on the shoulders of the Washington Capitals. This was a team that cruised to a President’s Trophy, and who the majority of hickey fans believe are more than good enough to win the Stanley Cup. The problem here is that they haven’t really faced any real adversity this season, which means their mental toughness hasn’t been put to the test. The same cannot be said for their first round opponent, the Philadelphia Flyers, as they had to fight all the way to the final week of the season just to secure a playoff spot. The Capitals hold a 3-1 series lead heading into Game 5 on Friday, but the Flyers could up the pressure by stealing one on the road. You can keep up to date with the NHL betting odds for this one at MyBookie.ag.
How To Bet The Flyers Vs Capitals NHL Playoffs Odds, TV & Game Info
When: Friday, April 22 at 7 PM EST
Where: Verizon Center, Washington
TV: NBCSN
Radio: Flyers and Capitals
Live Stream: NBCSN
NHL Odds: TBA
Why bet on the Philadelphia Flyers
The general consensus heading into this series was that the Flyers would simply not be able to compete with the Washington Capitals. That appeared to be the case through the first 3 games, but Philly found a little bit of life in Game 4 with a 2-1 win. There are those who believe that the victory there was simply delaying the inevitable, but it’s worth remembering just how tough the Flyers played the Capitals in the regular season. The two teams split their 4-game regular season series, which suggests that Philadelphia may still have a surprise up their sleeve. They will need the same sort of defensive effort that they displayed in Game 4 if they hope to extend this series.
Why bet on the Washington Capitals
One of the reasons why the Capitals were installed as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup was because of their near perfect balance at both ends of the ice. That has been very much on display in this opening round series, as Washington have scored 13 goals and only given up 4 through the first 4 games. As is the case with 7-gamer series, the underdog often finds a way to edge out a win, but it usually ends up being nothing more than a consolation. It’s hard to imagine that the Capitals will let slip the opportunity to close things out on home ice, where they have been outstanding all season long.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
Full credit to the Flyers for avoiding the sweep and forcing Game 5, but you really do get the sense that it is delaying the inevitable. I like the Flyers to end the series on Friday night.
Philadelphia Flyers 1 Washington Capitals 4
