Each of the last three Eastern Conference Finals matchups has finished with five or fewer total goals.
With Montreal on the brink of elimination tonight, my Canadiens vs. Hurricanes predictions point to yet another tight, low-scoring contest.
Let's get right into my NHL picks for Friday, May 29.
- UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win & +325 SGP pick.
Canadiens vs Hurricanes Game 5 prediction tonight
Who will win Canadiens vs Hurricanes Game 5?
Hurricanes: The Canadiens look like a team that is completely out of gas. They have no answers for Carolina's relentless forechecking and pressure, and Montreal continues to spend most of each game on its heels.
The Hurricanes have won the expected goal battle 19.24-8.40, yet are only up 12-10 on the scoreboard. Carolina will end this series on home ice.
Canadiens vs Hurricanes best bet: Under 5.5 (-110)
The Carolina Hurricanes have limited shot attempts, expected goals, and goals more effectively than every team in the playoffs. They are giving up next to nothing on a nightly basis, which helps explain why 10 of their 12 games have gone Under the total.
The Hurricanes have been particularly smothering against the Montreal Canadiens, who are completely gassed after consecutive seven-game series vs. division rivals.
Generating offense will be a problem for Montreal, while Jakub Dobes, the playoff leader in Goals Saved Above Expected, has proven reliable at limiting the opponent.
Expect a 3-2 type of game in Carolina. Playable to -125.
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Canadiens vs Hurricanes Game 5 same-game parlay
- Nick Suzuki Over 1.5 shots
- Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists
- Lane Hutson Over 1.5 blocked shots
Nick Suzuki is leading the Canadiens with 10 shots on goal this series. He has multiple shots in six of seven games against Carolina dating back to the regular season, and Montreal's captain will be relied upon heavily to lead the way in this elimination game.
Lane Hutson has started more shifts in the offensive zone than anybody on the roster. Martin St. Louis is giving him prime usage to put his high-end playmaking to use.
Sticking with Hutson, he has blocked 18 shots over the last six games. That includes eight over two appearances in Carolina. He played 24+ minutes in both elimination games thus far, and that kind of workload would afford plenty of block opportunities against the shot-happy Hurricanes.
Canadiens vs Hurricanes Game 5 goal scorer pick
Nick Suzuki (+260)
Suzuki leads the Canadiens in shots on goal this series and is the only forward on the team averaging more than a shot per game against the Hurricanes yet to find the back of the net.
He is almost 10 minutes clear of the closest Canadiens forward to him in ice time this round. He'll get every opportunity to make something happen offensively, and I see value in backing him to +230.
Canadiens vs Hurricanes odds for Game 5 tonight
- Moneyline: Montreal +185 | Carolina -225
- Puck Line: Montreal +1.5 (-135) | Carolina -1.5 (+115)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-110) | Under 5.5 (-110)
Canadiens vs Hurricanes trend
Carolina has hit the game total Under in 13 of the last 15 games (+11.30 units, 67% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Hurricanes.
How to watch Canadiens vs Hurricanes Game 5
| Location | Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC |
| Date | Friday, May 29, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, CBC |
Canadiens vs Hurricanes latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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