Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Prediction & Odds: Game 5 NHL Picks for Today, May 29

The Carolina Hurricanes have an opportunity to end the Montreal Canadiens' dream playoff run at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., tonight in Game 5. 

I'm backing Rod Brind'Amour and Co. to do exactly that in my Canadiens vs. Hurricanes prediction. If the prediction comes to fruition, it would be the Hurricanes' first Eastern Conference final series win in the last five attempts. The Hurricanes are the clear -240 betting favorite. As their odds are so short, I turned to the puck line, along with Taylor Hall, for my featured player prop.  

🏒 Canadiens vs. Hurricanes prediction & odds today: May 29 

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🏆 Who will win Canadiens vs. Hurricanes?

The Hurricanes will be going for the jugular in Game 5, and I expect them to take advantage of a tired and frustrated Canadiens team. If the Hurricanes are up by a goal or two in the third period, Martin St. Louis will need to pull Jakub Dobes early, making a win by at least two goals more likely. 

I'm backing the Hurricanes to win 5-2. 

Score prediction: Hurricanes 5, Canadiens 2

💰 Canadiens vs. Hurricanes prediction & best bet

Hurricanes -1.5 (+115 )

Not only did the Canadiens look exhausted in the 4-0 Game 4 loss, but they also appeared beaten, which is even more disconcerting. Two straight overtime losses and two successive seven-game series have taken a toll on St. Louis' comparatively inexperienced squad.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, are back into their rhythm and improving every game. They outshot the Canadiens 109-43 and won the expected goals battle 13.16 to 4.68 in Games 2 through 4. 

In Game 4, the Hurricanes exploded for 6.41 expected goals. That barrage will continue, and Dobes won't be able to save the Habs this time. 

🔥 Best Canadiens vs. Hurricanes player prop bet

Taylor Hall Over 0.5 points (-115)

Hall's production has decreased substantially in the Eastern Conference final, but he scored a goal in Game 3 and was dangerous in Game 4, firing three shots on goal.

He didn't register a point in Game 4, but his linemates did. That trio, which includes Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven, returned to their best in Montreal, and I expect them to be even better in a possible elimination game at home.  

Hall has 13 points in 12 playoff games and is among the Conn Smythe Trophy odds favorites. 

🚀 Canadiens vs. Hurricanes same-game parlay

In Game 4, the Canadiens were a shadow of the team that outlasted the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres. Losing two straight in overtime, combined with being part of consecutive grueling series, appears to be the Canadiens' undoing. 

I don't see them recapturing their best, which is required to stay competitive with the Hurricanes. 

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💡 How I'm betting Canadiens vs. Hurricanes

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With more goals expected, I'm confident Hall will get on the scoresheet. If he doesn't get one early, Hall will likely be on the ice if the Habs are pushing for a late equalizer.

That could open the door for a point on an empty-net goal. 

Based on their historic lack of shots on goal, I don't see the Canadiens scoring more than twice. The Hurricanes will be out for blood, and they're as fresh as a daisy entering Game 5. That doesn't bode well for the exhausted, demoralized Canadiens. 

📊 Live Canadiens vs. Hurricanes odds: May 29 

📈 Canadiens vs. Hurricanes betting trends

🚑 Canadiens vs. Hurricanes injuries

📺 How to watch Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 5 

• Date: Friday, May 29
• Puck drop: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, N.C.)
• TV: TNT
• Streaming: truTV