The Colorado Avalanche are simply just on another level. This team is all gas and no breaks, and they have looked like the more dominant team for 75% of this series.
I don't think they will let the opportunity to win the Stanley Cup at home slip away, and in order to close it out, they will need a strong performance from everyone on their roster.
That being said, I think the best players will lead the way, and that’s why I'm looking at Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Darcy Kuemper with the best free NHL player prop picks for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday, June 24.
Lightning vs Avalanche Game 5 prop picks
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis. Each odds widget below represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated US sportsbooks.
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Lightning vs Avalanche Game 5 props
Nate elates
The Colorado Avalanche's man-advantage unit has been absolutely electric throughout the entire postseason, but even more effective in this series. In the first four games of the Stanley Cup Final, the Avs are 6-for-13 on the power play, and that offense runs through Nathan MacKinnon.
MacKinnon has nine power-play points in 18 postseason games and he was able to score a goal on the man advantage in Game 4.
This is the biggest game that Nathan MacKinnon has ever played in, and not only is he lighting it up in these playoffs, but he has been that much more dominant on home ice. The Avs power play has been incredibly successful, and MacKinnon will rise to the occasion and help continue that trend.
Nathan MacKinnon prop pick: Over 0.5 power-play points (+130)
Makar's mark
Another big reason why the Avalanche have been so successful on the power play is because of their ace on the blue line, Cale Makar. Right now, Makar is the Conn Smythe odds favorite, as he should be given his consistent production.
Makar is tied for first with the most points on the power play in the postseason as he currently has 2 PPG and 10 PPA in 18 games. He has been the best player on the ice in every game of this series and he is going to be a huge factor in the Avalanche finishing the job in this game.
The Avalanche's power play all starts with Makar, and they have scored a power-play goal in nine of their last 10 games. Tampa hasn't been able to stop them, and I don’t see that changing in this game as Makar will help take down the hobbled blue line of the two-time defending champions.
Cale Makar prop pick: Over 0.5 power-play points (+135)
Net gains
Darcy Kuemper had his best performance of the playoffs in Game 4. It didn't get off to the best start, as he allowed a goal in the opening minute of the game, but Kuemper ended up making 37 saves and even added an assist on the overtime winner.
We saw a desperate Tampa Bay Lightning team who knew they needed to win that game, but now their backs are quite literally against the wall, and they will be throwing pucks on net from all over the ice.
Kuemper should be feeling extra confident after his Game 4 performance, and I expect him to see a ton of shots in this game. I think Kuemper puts up another great effort that has him raising the Stanley Cup by night’s end.
Darcy Kuemper prop pick: Over 25.5 Saves (-115 at DraftKings)
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