Point & Counterpoint - Capitals vs. Panthers - May 11, 2022

The 2022 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series between the Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers continues in Sunrise, Florida tonight with the series tied at 2-2. The first four games of this series have featured road splits by both hockey teams.

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Game 5: Capitals (+1.5) at Panthers

Eastern Conference Semifinal Tied 2-2

Wednesday, May 11, 7:30PM

Why the Panthers (-1.5) will cover

The game 5 winner usually wins a series in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 78% of the time. Florida’s record against the spread at home during the regular was 22-19, while Washington’s record against the spread on the road during the regular was only 14-27.

The Florida Panthers were one of the best teams at home during the regular season and scored at least four or more goals at home in every single game. Back in Game 2, they won 5-1 against the Washington Capitals at home. 

Why the Panthers (-1.5) won’t cover

The Washington Capitals have covered the spread in three-of-four games in this series. Even though Florida won Game 4, 3-2 in overtime on the road, Washington still covered the spread. Veteran players like Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and T.J. Oshie are having big series for the Capitals, and players like Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov have not made much of an impact in this series for the Florida Panthers.

Sergei Bobrovsky only finished with 14 saves in Game 4 for Florida and he will continue to not play well in this series. The Florida Panthers will show they are not as playoff experienced as the Washington Capitals are.

Why the Over (6.5 goals)

During the regular season, the Florida Panthers went 27-11-3 on the over/under at home. They also averaged 4.11 goals per game during the regular season. Florida is a quick strike hockey team when they are on their game. The Washington Capitals also averaged 3.29 goals per game during the regular season.

Why the Under (6.5 goals)

Three of the four games in this series so far have reached the under 6.5 goals total mark. The only time it has hit in this series was back in Game 3, where Washington defeated Florida 6-1. Washington is averaging 3.25 goals per game in this series and Florida is averaging just 2.75 goals in this series, which seems like a far cry from the regular season.

The X-Factor: Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers Goalie

In four games in this series, Sergei Bobrovsky has a 2-2 record with a .900 save percentage and a 2.72 GAA, along with zero shutouts. If Florida didn’t win Game 4, it was very possible that head coach Andrew Brunette would have switched to Spencer Knight in net for Game 5.

In order for the Florida Panthers to win this series, Sergei Bobrovsky is going to have to be better. They won Games 2 and 4 in this series in spite of him, not because of him. 

🏀 Projected Capitals vs. Panthers Game 5 box score
✍️ Betting Preview: Capitals vs. Panthers Game 5