As the NHL Playoffs continue to heat up, 15 May 2025 promises another thrilling evening of high-stakes action. With both Eastern and Western Conference semi-finals potentially on the brink of conclusion, it’s do-or-die time for the trailing teams. The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars each hold commanding 3-1 series leads and will look to punch their tickets to the next round tonight. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets are facing elimination in front of their home fans, desperate to spark momentum and stay alive.
These matchups bring together some of the league’s most formidable veterans and emerging playoff performers, with star power and strategic line changes likely to shape the evening’s outcomes. From rookies stepping up in clutch moments to special teams battles defining the margins, every detail counts. Here’s a full breakdown of both fixtures, with in-depth team analysis, score predictions, and our top betting tips courtesy of America Bet.
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
Match Info
- NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference Semi-Final, Game 5
- Thursday 15 May 2025 – 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (16 May)
- Capital One Arena, Washington, USA
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Final, having methodically dismantled the Capitals over the last two games. Following a pair of narrow contests to start the series, Carolina ramped up the intensity on home ice, outscoring Washington 9-2 in Games 3 and 4. With playoff pedigree and consistent production from across the lineup, the Canes are showcasing why they’ve been a Stanley Cup frontrunner all season.
Veterans like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov have been instrumental, but the difference-makers so far have come from the new blood. Rookie Jackson Blake and trade acquisition Logan Stankhoven have injected youthful exuberance and scoring punch, combining for 10 points this postseason. Their ability to contribute alongside the core leadership makes Carolina a well-balanced threat heading into Game 5. The franchise has never lost a series after leading 3-1 – and they don’t look like breaking that streak now.
Washington Capitals
Backs against the wall, the Capitals return home knowing only a win will suffice. They’ve been strong at Capital One Arena this postseason, with a 4-1 record, but Carolina’s dominance in Games 3 and 4 exposed some cracks. Even so, the Caps can draw confidence from their spirited third-period showing in Game 4, where they nearly mounted a comeback before late goals sealed their fate.
Alexander Ovechkin finally opened his playoff account with a power play goal, and Washington will need their talisman firing again. Head coach Spencer Carbery has shuffled lines in practice in search of a spark, bringing Connor McMichael back to centre and potentially moving Anthony Beauvillier to the top line. With pride and postseason survival on the line, expect Washington to come out swinging in front of a raucous home crowd.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes to win
The Hurricanes are simply executing at a higher level right now, especially in five-on-five situations. Their depth, defensive structure, and momentum make them favourites to close the series tonight.
America Bet Score Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes 4 – 2 Washington Capitals
Carolina’s offensive depth should allow them to outpace the Capitals again, though a spirited Washington push early could keep things close for two periods.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Carolina Hurricanes to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Carolina to win by 2+ goals
- Sebastian Aho to score anytime
- Logan Stankhoven to record a point
- Both teams to score in the first period
- Ovechkin to score on the power play
- Carolina to score first
- Total shots on goal: Over 59.5
- Carolina to win every period
Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets
Match Info
- NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs – Western Conference Semi-Final, Game 5
- Thursday 15 May 2025 – 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (16 May)
- Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
Dallas Stars
The Stars are peaking at the perfect time. Having finally assembled their full roster for Game 4, Dallas looked cohesive and dangerous, winning 3-1 and taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. With top defenceman Miro Heiskanen returning from injury and Jason Robertson back in the fold, Dallas boasts a lineup that’s both defensively sound and offensively dynamic.
Their midseason additions have paid immediate dividends in the playoffs – Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund each notched hat tricks in key games, demonstrating the depth and firepower the Stars now command. With a well-balanced attack and stellar goaltending from Jake Oettinger, Dallas are poised to finish the job in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets find themselves in a must-win situation after two frustrating losses in Dallas. Despite putting up 70 total attempts in Game 4, they only scored once, a worrying stat for a team that finished the regular season tied for third in scoring. The power play has also gone ice-cold, converting just 6.25% of chances in the series.
Winnipeg’s struggles aren’t for lack of effort. Nikolaj Ehlers has been a bright spot, and the team is generating chances, but finishing has been the issue. Head coach Scott Arniel has called for more grit and net-front presence – a style the Jets must embrace if they hope to crack Oettinger’s armour. With elimination looming, expect a desperate and physical Jets side to fight to the final whistle in front of their home fans.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Dallas Stars to win
Dallas has the momentum, a healthier and deeper roster, and a goaltender in Oettinger playing with immense confidence. Winnipeg will push hard, but the Stars look set to punch their ticket to the next round.
America Bet Score Prediction
Dallas Stars 3 – 1 Winnipeg Jets
Despite a home-ice effort from the Jets, Dallas’ ability to shut down scoring chances and capitalise on their own opportunities should prove decisive.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Dallas Stars to win
- Under 5.5 total goals
- Jake Oettinger – Over 27.5 saves
- Dallas to score first
- Mikko Rantanen to score anytime
- Winnipeg Jets under 2.5 goals
- Jason Robertson to record an assist
- Game to be tied at the end of first period
- Total hits over 49.5
- Dallas Stars to win both the 1st and 3rd periods
