The Colorado Avalanche has shown all season that the wise guys were right. The Avs have been the favorites all season long in the Stanley Cup betting market, and here they are - one win away from winning that Cup.

Colorado can win its first Cup since 2001, and third as a franchise, with one more win in the next three potential games against the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Game 5 is Friday night at Denver’s Ball Arena.

Let’s take a deeper look into the game, starting with the NHL odds for the Game 5 matchup:

Lightning vs Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 5 Odds From Top Betting Sites

Lightning vs Avalanche Stanley Cup Final Game 5 Betting Tips & Picks

1. Under Finally Trending? For the first time in the series, the Under hit in Game 4. It’s been my experience that the final games of a series - and especially in the Stanley Cup Final - are lower-scoring than usual. Teams don’t want to make any defensive mistakes, and the team that gets ahead usually gets even more conservative. So, I like the Under on betting sites in Game 5.
2. Andre Vasilevskiy over on saves - Even though the Avs might get conservative if they get a lead, I still think they’ll put a lot of rubber on Lightning goalie Andre Vasilevskiy. Colorado has learned the hard way the last few years that safe can be death, so I expect them to keep putting as many pucks on net as they can. They’ve had 37 or more shots on goal the last two games.
3. Nathan MacKinnon to score a goal - The Avalanche star got his first goal of the series in Game 4, and he often scores in bunches. I expect a ton of energy out of him, fueled by what figures to be a roaring home crowd. I like MacKinnon to score on a prop bet on betting apps.

Avalanche vs Lightning Stanley Cup Final Game 5 Prediction & Free Betting Picks

You can’t just expect the Lightning to lay down and die. They are two-time Cup champs for a reason. They have tough guys who play well in big games and have a lot of heart.

But the Avs are the better team. Yeah, I think they might be nervous and tight in a Game 5 at home - and the franchise has blown some 3-1 leads in the past.

I think the Lightning will play with heart and passion, but you do wonder if the tank is finally on ‘E’ with this team. They’ve played a LOT of hockey in the last two years. Colorado seems to just want this more. And that’s understandable. The challenger is always hungrier.

I think this game will be closer than many people think, but for your NHL picks for Friday, I would take the Avalanche on the moneyline.

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Avalanche vs Lightning Stanley Cup Final NHL Betting Offers

BetMGM Sportsbook NHL Offers

BetMGM Sportsbook is going all-in on the Stanley Cup tonight. You can grab a $1,000 risk-free bet to use on the game if you're a new customer. Just hit 'Bet Now' below to get started.

The sportsbook is also offering a ton of special lines for the game, including: Greztky's Playmaker Parlay at +450 for Nathan MacKinnon to score 1+ Goals, the Avs to win by 2+ goals, and there to be 6+ total goals in the game. Today's Lion's Boost has the Avs to Win and 6+ Total Goals Scored, boosted from +175 to +220.

Finally, you moneyline bettors at BetMGM can get overtime insurance, so if your chosen team loses in OT (and the Lightning have lost twice in OT so far this series) you'll get your stake back in free bets (up to $25). And you can get one-game parlay insurance, so if one leg of your 4+ leg parlay lets you down, you'll get your stake back up to $25.

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Caesars Sportsbook NHL Offers

If you are a new sign-up to Caesars Sportsbook, then you're in luck. You qualify for a risk-free bet worth up to $1,500 on Game 5 of the Stanley Cup tonight. Just hit 'Bet Now' below to get started, then complete the registration process at Caesars and follow the instructions to grab the offer. Should your first wager lose, you'll get the stake back in free bets up to the value of $1,500.

Friday's Superstar Parlay Boost at Caesars delivers +1500 odds on Steven Stamkos To Score 1+ Goal in Game 5 and Bryce Harper to Hit a Home Run today. Max bet is $100.

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DraftKings Sportsbook NHL Offers

New users at DraftKings Sportsbook can sign up today and grab a deposit bonus worth up to $1,000. To access the full $1,000, you'll need to deposit $5,000 and rollover requirements apply. DraftKings is also offering its Same-Game Parlay feature for tonight's Lightning vs Avalanche Game 5 matchup. Just hit 'Bet Now' below to access the offers.

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FanDuel Sportsbook NHL Offers

New users at FanDuel Sportsbook can grab its $1,000 No-Sweat First Bet offer for Game 5 tonight. It gives you the chance to make your first wager risk-free, up to the value of $1,000. So if you back the Lightning at +146 on the moneyline and the bet settles as a loss, you'll get your wager back in the form of free bets. FanDuel is also offering its Same-Game Parlay for the Lightning vs Avalanche matchup.

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