Stanley Cup 2015: Game 5 Odds and Predictions for Blackhawks vs. Ducks

Epitomizing all of the energy and excitement of peak playoff hockey, the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks enter Game 5 of the Western Conference Final even at two wild wins apiece.

The two clubs have traded victories all series, with the Blackhawks capturing Game 2 in triple overtime and Game 4 following two extra periods. After a classic and crazy game on Saturday, they'll take the series to Anaheim for a pivotal Game 5.

According to Odds Shark, the Ducks are favored to continue the trend of trading wins and take Game 5. Yet they won't enjoy an easy path to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2007.

Date	Matchup	Time	TV	Odds
Mon., 5/25	Blackhawks at Ducks	9 p.m.	NBCSN	ANA -1.5

Game 5 Preview

Bill Smith/Getty Images

For anyone needing proof of momentum amounting more to a storytelling device than actual advantage, take a look at Game 4. Chicago held a 3-1 lead in the third period, poised to tie the series in unremarkable fashion.

Then the Ducks scored. And scored again. And again. In 37 seconds, they found the net three times. During the season, they averaged 2.8 goals per game.

After the second-fastest trio of scores in NHL playoff history, Anaheim seemingly had all the momentum on its side, along with a sudden 4-3 lead. Parlay that outburst into a 3-1 series advantage, and they're sitting pretty for a Stanley Cup appearance.

Not so fast. Patrick Kane evened the score with a power-play goal, leading to free hockey for the second time in five days. Antoine Vermette—a surprising Game 3 healthy scratch—sent home the game-winner five minutes and 37 seconds into the second overtime.

The NHL's official Twitter page shared the final sequence:

Acquired at the trade deadline to give Chicago a veteran presence for such a series, Vermette instead spent Game 3's 2-1 loss as a spectator. Inserted back into the fold, the 32-year-old center won 14 of 20 faceoffs before providing the final blow.

“They're so competitive,” coach Joel Quenneville told ESPN.com's Scott Powers after the win. “They want to play in the worst way, and they want more ice time as well. You can understand where he was at—very disappointed. He's a great pro. Stayed with it. That line had a couple looks in overtime. I'm glad he finished it for us. That was a huge goal for us. Huge goal.”

Despite Anaheim's 37-second barrage, Chicago netted the same result. Something to consider before tossing out that "M" word, and that goes both ways. Although they tied the series, the Blackhawks have yet to top the Ducks in regulation.

They've made a habit of stringing out close calls all postseason, as noted by SportsCenter's Twitter feed:

Chicago has also won all four of its playoff road victories by one goal apiece, suffering three losses by three goals each. In a fierce, evenly matched bout, that creates a microscopic margin of error for Quenneville's group.

Corey Crawford was worked especially hard during both overtime affairs. Anaheim compiled a combined 113 shots in both bouts, 17 more than Chicago generated. All of those opportunities make it easier to understand how the Ducks briefly penetrated his force field during the third period.

The Ducks will spread out their scores over a normalized pace on Monday, but this time, their aggressive attack yields a close victory.

Prediction: Ducks 4, Blackhawks 3