Stanley Cup Final Game 5 expert predictions: Betting preview, odds for Avalanche vs. Lightning

The Colorado Avalanche are one game away from winning the Stanley Cup. They lead the series 3-1. The Avs are in search of their first Stanley cup since 2001. The game 4 of the final against the Tampa Bay Lightning was marred by a controversial call.

Avalanche and Lightning are playing Stanley Cup Final Game 5 on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

Avalanche and Lightning are playing in Stanley Cup Final Game 5. The game will be broadcast on ABC, CBC and SN.

The Stanley Cup Final Game 5 is streaming on ESPN+.

The Athletic's writers will make their picks for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Athletic has all the latest NHL coverage, including the picks, TV schedule and all series coverage.

Avalanche are the underdogs in Stanley Cup Final Game 5 against the Lightning.

Jon Cooper is the longest tenured coach in the NHL. He let a loss get to him on Wednesday. The Avs won the game in overtime. They hold a 3-1 series lead. The Lightning lost Game 2 in a 7-0 blowout. On Thursday, Cooper tried to move on. Teams that hold 3rd-place lead in Stanley Cup finals are 33-2 all-time. No team has come back from 3nd-placed in finals since the Red Wings in 1942. Avalanche return to Colorado with momentum. It's a good time to be in Colorado. A team that wins Game 5 is usually crowned champions.