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Admittedly, we're mired in a bit of a slump right now with three losing nights in a row.

The playoffs have been fairly profitable, though, and there's still a long way to go. We'll get hot soon enough, and there's no better time to start than Thursday night.

New York Islanders (-105) @ Washington Capitals (-115)

The Islanders just need to stay out of the box and they will close out this series. Leading 2-0 early in the second period of Game 4 - and in complete control - they shot themselves in the foot with two penalties. The Capitals sent their big guns out on a five-on-three, generated some momentum, potted a couple of goals, and Bob's your uncle.

Four of Washington's eight goals in this series have come on the power play, with only three at five-on-five. That's a testament to this Islanders team, which is so defensively disciplined under Barry Trotz. Only the Colorado Avalanche have allowed fewer expected goals against in these playoffs.

It's just a bad matchup for the Capitals, who struggle to generate offense at five-on-five and rely heavily on special teams. The Islanders will end this series in Game 5 if they don't get themselves into trouble. There's excellent value here as they're slight 'dogs despite being unquestionably the better team throughout this series.

Pick: Islanders (-105)

Dallas Stars (-125) @ Calgary Flames (+105)

I've been vocal about my love for the Stars in this series, and I'm feeling pretty good through five games.

The Stars have been the better team - controlling a much larger percentage of the expected goals, generating more quality scoring chances, and impressively limiting the Flames' offense at five-on-five - in each of the last four contests since a sluggish Game 1.

But the Flames are still hanging around, and despite all the chances that Dallas is creating, it's being made to work hard for every goal. I still fully expect the Stars to close out this series in Game 7, but this pesky Flames team will ensure it gets there leaning into Cam Talbot and its white-hot power play to steal Game 6.

Pick: Flames (+105)

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

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