In this article we will formulate a Canadiens vs Hurricanes prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, May 27th 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 down 1-2 in this series after they lost two of the first three games by scores of 6-2, 2-3 (OT), and 2-3 (OT). In game three, Montreal tied the game at two in the second period, but couldn’t find anymore offense and ended up with another overtime loss. The Canadiens recorded 13 shots on goal, won 47.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Hutson and Matheson, while Dobes stopped 35 out of 38 shots, which was a .921 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 lost 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 three goals and 12 assists in the playoffs. The projected starting goalie for Montreal is Jakub Dobes, who is 9-8 with a 2.50 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this postseason.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes are up 2-1 in this series after they won game three by a score of 3-2 in overtime on Monday night. Carolina led 1-0 and 2-1, and they severely outshot Montreal, but they needed overtime to get the win. The Hurricanes recorded 38 shots on goal, won 52.2% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Carolina got goals from Hall, Svechnikov, and Gostisbehere, while Andersen stopped 11 out of 13 shots, which was an .846 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 10 of their last 11 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 four goals and nine assists, while Jackson Blake has added four goals and eight assists. The projected starting goalie for Carolina is Frederik Andersen, who is 10-1 with a 1.56 goals against average and a .923 save percentage this season.
Why the Montreal Canadiens will win
- The Canadiens have won seven of their last eight games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Hurricanes have lost 14 of their last 21 games as road favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last 18 games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
- The Hurricanes have failed to cover the puck line in nine of their last 10 night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Hurricanes have lost the second period in each of their last six games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents when leading after the first period.
Why the Carolina Hurricanes will win
- The Hurricanes have won each of their last nine games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Canadiens have lost five of their last six home games.
- The road team has covered the puck line in six of the Canadiens’ last seven games.
- The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Hurricanes have won the first period in each of their last six road games after coming off overtime.
Total Goals Facts
- Ten of the Hurricanes’ last 11 night games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the Canadiens’ last nine games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 10 games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Hurricanes’ last eight games as favorites against the Canadiens.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Juraj Slafkovsky has scored a goal in four of the Canadiens’ last five games as home underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Jake Evans has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last four home games.
- 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 four of the Hurricanes’ last five road playoff games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- K’Andre Miller has recorded an assist in each of the Hurricanes’ last five road games.
- Taylor Hall has recorded at least four shots in each of his last one 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 are one of only three teams with two or more players to record at least 60 assists this season (Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson).
- 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 was able to dominate game three in terms of puck possession and shots on goal, but they struggled to convert their chances once again and needed overtime to find the winner. The Hurricanes were 24-12-5 on the road this year, while the Canadiens were 24-15-2 at home. Montreal has done a good job of staying in games where they are severely outshot, but that is not a good recipe for success. I have not seen much from Montreal that makes me think they can find sustained pressure, so I will back the Hurricanes to get the win once again here.