Following their 3-2 overtime win in game five, the Colorado Avalanche is just one win away from hoisting the Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay carried the play early on, but Colorado withstood the onslaught. Colorado Darcy Kuemper more than made up for his terrible game three performance. Kuemper stopped 37 of 39 shots to lead the NHL betting odds payout. Nazem Kadri scored the game-winning overtime goal at the 12:20 mark. Later it was discovered that the Avalanche had six players on the ice. The missed penalty devastated Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper and the Lighting.
2022 Stanley Cup Final Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 5
| Date and Time: | Friday, June 24, 2022, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning | +1½ (-175) | 6 (EV) | +150 |  |
| Avalanche | -1½ (+155) | 6 (-120) | -170 | |
| ||||
Lightning at Avalanche SBG Odds Overview – Does it End?
On this occasion, we have Tampa Bay facing elimination. The Lightning face the prospect of having to beat the Avalanche three consecutive times to score the offshore betting win. Meanwhile, Colorado has the opportunity to win its first Stanley Cup championship in 21 years. And to do so on home ice Friday night.
Gamblers have been on a roller coaster for much of this series. Tampa Bay’s resounding win in game three had gamblers running towards the Bolts. To be exact, the “Heart of the Champion” theory was a selling point. But now comes the ultimate test for the Lightning.
At the onset of betting for Friday’s game five, will be a rush on Colorado. The Avalanche is the easy choice. Colorado has a 3-1 stranglehold on the series. They can clinch the Stanley Cup at home. And then Tampa Bay is coming off a demoralizing loss.
On the other hand, the Lightning has fought back throughout the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Timeously, Tampa Bay was written off for dead, only to rally and win. And the ‘Heart of the Champion” theory still applies. Would anyone be surprised if the Lightning rally to beat Colorado and force a game six back in Tampa Bay? Of course, nobody would be surprised at all.
Cooper Left Speechless
Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper said the loss stung much more than others. Following the game four loss, Copper admitted that speaking was hard for him. He chose to clam up and said he would talk more later. Specifically, Cooper was stunned that the officials missed the too many men on the ice penalty. Postgame, it was discovered that should have been called against the Avalanche.
As the team leader, Cooper has to compose himself and refocus. In turn, he must show his players that he is over the game four loss and focused on a game five win. Based on his record, that should not be a problem.
Refs Meet After the Game
Extending the officiating controversy was the NHL statement after game four. The League said that too many men on the ice is a judgment call. The NHL noted that in their discussions with the officials, none of them saw the sixth man on the play.
Lightning at Avalanche SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Tampa Bay is the ultimate NHL betting contrarian play. The masses are expecting the Avalanche to clinch on Friday night. As a result, a strong value opportunity presents itself for the 2-time defending champions. Betting on Tampa Bay is gambling with the house and against the masses.
Lightning at Avalanche SBG Best Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning.