Game 5 of the series between Vegas and Anaheim promises to be a pivotal moment in the entire rivalry. After four games, the series is tied 2-2, and now the teams return to Las Vegas, to the legendary Fortress, where the Golden Knights traditionally feel confident. It's in games like these that the home team's vast playoff experience really comes into play: Vegas is a perennial Stanley Cup contender, while Anaheim has reached the postseason for the first time in many years. A victory in this game would give them a huge psychological advantage and allow them to win the series with over 80% probability.
Stats from specialized websites and experts point to a clear advantage for Vegas in this matchup. The home team has a significant power play advantage (25% versus the Ducks' 13.3%) and a more reliable penalty kill. Despite Anaheim shooting a lot, the Knights have a higher quality of chances, especially in high-risk situations. Vegas goaltender Carter Hart has been more consistent than his counterpart Lukas Dostal, who has allowed three goals in each of the last two games—a trend that's hard to miss.
But don't expect the visitors to crush the team like they did at the start of the series—Anaheim will seize every opportunity and put up a fight, so it's best to bet on overtime.
