The Winnipeg Jets avoided elimination against the Dallas Stars in Game 5 thanks to a shutout from Connor Hellebuyck as well as a multi-goal performance from Nikolaj Ehlers.
If the Jets are going to stay alive in Game 6, they’ll likely need impactful performances from both players once again.
An Ehlers anytime goal at +265 is a particularly attractive bet which highlights my Jets vs Stars props and NHL picks for Saturday, May 17.
Best Jets vs Stars props
Ehlers anytime goal (+265)- Hellebuyck Under 22.5 saves (-120)
Lindell Over 2.5 blocks (+100)
Jets vs Stars player props for May 17
Nikolaj Ehlers anytime goal (+265 at BET99)
Nikolaj Ehlers came up clutch in Game 5 as he scored twice to help the Winnipeg Jets fend off elimination on home ice.
The speedy winger has scored five goals in the series – the most among all skaters – and at +265 I think he’s an easy pick to score again in Game 6.
Ehlers has found the back of the net in three of his last four games but he’s been sniffing around the net all postseason. His 4.29 shots per game rank third among all players who have skated in these playoffs.
According to Natural Stat Trick, the Winnipeg forward has also generated a league-best 2.43 individual expected goals per 60 minutes, while his 14.57 scoring chances per 60 rank fourth in the playoffs.
All those signs point to strong offensive play so if anyone’s going to break through for the Jets tonight, it’ll likely be Ehlers.
Connor Hellebuyck Under 22.5 saves (-120 at BET99)
Connor Hellebuyck’s rollercoaster postseason continued in Game 5 as he stopped all 22 shots to record his second shutout in four contests.
In the other three games this series, Hellebuyck allowed at least three goals with a save percentage of .875 or worse.
The common thread between all five games? The Jets netminder has not made more than 22 stops in any of those contests. In fact, Hellebuyck has made Under 22.5 saves in 11 of his 12 appearances this postseason, with Game 7 against the Blues standing as the only exception.
Part of that is because he’s been pretty bad, but part of that is also Winnipeg’s stout defense.
The Jets are allowing just 23.6 shots against per game this postseason – the best mark in the NHL. If Winnipeg can protect its goaltender again tonight, Hellebuyck should end up Under 22.5 saves – win or lose.
Esa Lindell Over 2.5 blocks (+100 at BET99)
While the Winnipeg Jets have protected their crease well, the same cannot be said of the Dallas Stars, who rank 14th among all playoff teams with 32.5 shots against per game.
That’s not only put pressure on Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, but also on the players in front of him to try to block shots. Fortunately for Dallas, they’ve got one of the best shot blockers in the business in Esa Lindell.
Lindell has recorded 34 blocks this postseason which trails only Chris Tanev (36) and Simon Benoit (35) for the most in the NHL.
The Stars blueliner blocked three shots in Game 5 and has hit that mark in seven of 12 appearances this postseason.
Lindell is logging 24:34 of ice time per game, which is second to only Thomas Harley (26:45) among Stars skaters. Game 6 is a big one for the Stars, who won’t want to blow another series-clinching opportunity, so I expect Lindell to log plenty of ice time – and plenty of blocks.
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