Playoff Player Props: Breakout performances needed from Tkachuk, Zibanejad

Buckle up, we’re in for another fun night of playoff hockey.

With a win Wednesday on Broadway, the Pittsburgh Penguins can advance to Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

That’s one of three Game 5’s on Wednesday's docket. In Calgary, fresh off a 4-1 victory on Monday night in Dallas, the Flames and Stars will square off at Scotiabank Saddledome with a 3-2 series lead on the line. Meantime, those are the same stakes for Florida and Washington, who will battle in Sunrise. Carter Verhaeghe was the OT hero in D.C. in Game 4.

Here are some prop bets to consider:

PROP #1: Jake Oettinger Over 29.5 Saves (-130)

Oettinger has been so locked-in that we’re pretty much at a point where the Flames are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at him. In fact, by the game, Calgary’s shot count has jumped, going from 26 to 29 to 41 to 53. They’re understanding the assignment. And for that matter, so is Oettinger, who’s made 149 saves through four contests.

PROP #2: Matthew Tkachuk Over 2.5 SOG (-140)

Four games in, Tkachuk is still looking for his first goal of the series — just a reminder that he scored 42 times during the year. Furthermore, the 24-year-old’s shot count has been down too. After averaging three shots on goal per game (253) in 82 regular season appearances, he’s mustered just seven in four games against Dallas. The glass half full approach suggests Tkachuk is due for a breakout performance, he just needs to stay away from the extracurriculars.

You can catch Game 5 of Flames vs. Stars on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

PROP #3: Alex Ovechkin Over 0.5 Assists (+160)

It’s funny, Ovechkin will go down as one of the best goal scorers of all-time, but it’s his playmaking abilities that’s been the story in the Caps/Panthers series so far. He’s picked up an assist in all four games, so getting behind this play, especially at plus-money, is a no-brainer. I’m riding the hot hand.

Game 5 of Capitals vs. Panthers is on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet NOW at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.

PROP #4: Mika Zibanejad Anytime Goal (+150)

Down 3-1, it’s put up or shut up time for the New York Rangers. Enter Zibanejad, who scored 29 in the regular season but has been unable to find the back of the net in the opening round. If the 29-year-old can’t find his scoring touch soon, the Rangers are cooked. Simply put, they need a signature night from one of their horses.

You can watch Game 5 of Rangers vs. Penguins on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW at 7 p.m ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Betting odds listed above via the Bet365 Sportsbook as of Wednesday afternoon.