In this article we will formulate a Canadiens vs Hurricanes prediction for this NHL game on Monday, May 25th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL playoff matchup.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens are tied 1-1 in this series after they split the first two games by scores of 6-2 and 2-3 (OT). In game two, Montreal tied the game at one in the first period and at two in the third, but ended up losing in overtime. The Canadiens recorded 12 shots on goal, won 52.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Montreal got both of their goals from Anderson, while Dobes stopped 23 out of 26 shots, which was an .885 save percentage.
Prior to this series, Montreal defeated the Sabres in seven games by scores of 2-4, 5-1, 6-2, 2-3, 6-3, 3-8, and 3-2. The Canadiens have won three of their last five games and they finished third in the Atlantic standings with 106 points. Montreal scored 3.40 goals per game and they allowed 3.06 goals against per game, while also going 23.1% on the power play and 78.2% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led the Canadiens with four goals and 12 assists, while Lane Hutson has added two goals and 12 assists in the playoffs. The projected starting goalie for Montreal is Jakub Dobes, who is 9-7 with a 2.51 goals against average and a .909 save percentage this postseason.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes are tied 1-1 in this series after they won game two in overtime by a score of 3-2 on Saturday. Carolina dominated the entire game, but they couldn’t hold the lead in the third, before escaping with the win in overtime. The Hurricanes recorded 26 shots on goal, won 47.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Carolina got goals from Ehlers (2) and Robinson, while Andersen stopped 10 out of 12 shots, which was an .833 save percentage.
Prior to this series, Carolina defeated the Flyers in four games by scores of 3-0, 3-2, 4-1, and 3-2. The Hurricanes have won nine of their last ten games and they finished first in the Metro standings with 113 points. Carolina scored 3.55 goals per game and they allowed 2.88 goals against per game, while also going 24.9% on the power play and 80.6% on the penalty kill this season. Taylor Hall has led the Hurricanes with three goals and nine assists, while Jackson Blake has added four goals and seven assists. The projected starting goalie for Carolina is Frederik Andersen, who is 9-1 with a 1.55 goals against average and a .927 save percentage this season.
Why the Montreal Canadiens will win
- The Canadiens have won 13 of their last 15 games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
- The Hurricanes have lost 14 of their last 20 games as road favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last 17 games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
- The Hurricanes have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have won the second period in nine of their last 10 games as underdogs when trailing after the first period.
Why the Carolina Hurricanes will win
- The Hurricanes have won each of their last seven road games after coming off overtime.
- The Canadiens have lost four of their last five home games.
- The road team has covered the puck line in each of the Canadiens’ last six games.
- The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Hurricanes have won the third period in eight of their last nine games against the Canadiens following a home win.
Total Goals Facts
- Nine of the Hurricanes’ last 10 night games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Canadiens’ last eight games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the last nine Monday night games between two teams from the Eastern Conference have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last nine games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Hurricanes’ last eight games as road favorites.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Juraj Slafkovsky has scored a goal in each of the Canadiens’ last four games as home underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Alexandre Carrier has recorded an assist in each of the Canadiens’ last four games as underdogs.
- Cole Caufield ranks 1st in the league for Game Winning Goals (12) this season.
Carolina Hurricanes Player Prop Facts
- Logan Stankoven has scored a goal in each of the Hurricanes’ last four road playoff games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- K’Andre Miller has recorded an assist in each of the Hurricanes’ last four road games.
- Eric Robinson has scored a goal in each of his last two appearances – equal-longest active streak in the league.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 7th in the league for goals per game this season (3.40).
- The Montreal Canadiens have recorded the equal-most wins when tied or trailing after Period 1 this season (31).
- The Carolina Hurricanes rank 2nd in the league for goals per game this season (3.55).
- The Carolina Hurricanes are one of only three teams in the league to rank top 5 for both goals for and goals against per game this season.
Canadiens vs Hurricanes Prediction
Carolina played much better in game two and they dominated most of the game, but they had trouble converting their chances and were lucky to win in overtime. The Hurricanes were 24-12-5 on the road this year, while the Canadiens were 24-15-2 at home. Montreal has been very good at staying in games despite being badly outshot, but they need to control the puck and get more shots on goal to give Dobes a bit of a break. I think Carolina will do more of the same in this game and I don’t know how long Dobes can hold up. Take the Hurricanes on the road.