The Boston Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, to finish off their mini three-game homestand. It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Hurricanes-Bruins prediction and pick.
The Boston Bruins lost at home on Tuesday to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but an even bigger loss is their leading scorer, Brad Marchand, who will be out for the next six games due to a suspension for roughing Penguins goalie, Tristan Jarry in their loss to them on Tuesday. The Carolina Hurricanes look to capitalize on this opportunity and break a losing streak of their own, after going 0-1-1 to start off their second half of the season.
Here are the Hurricanes-Bruins NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel
NHL Odds: Hurricanes-Bruins Odds
Carolina Hurricanes: -1.5 (+180) (-142 ML)
Boston Bruins: +1.5 (-225) (+118 ML)
Over: 5.5 (-122)
Under: 5.5 (+100)
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Why The Hurricanes Can Cover The Spread/Win
It's rare to see a team like the Hurricanes be on a losing streak, but they look to avoid that third loss in a row tonight against a Bruins team whose missing star player, Brad Marchand. After having the day off during the loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, Frederik Andersen will most likely be back in net for the Canes. He comes into this game with the 3rd best save percentage in .927 in the league, and the 2nd best goals-against average in 2.08. Carolina will look to get ahead early tonight, and then lean on their defensive core, as they are a much stronger team when they play with the lead. The Hurricanes are too good of a team to go on another three-game losing streak, and they have the firepower to prove it.
Why The Bruins Can Cover The Spread/Win
The Bruins heavily rely on Brad Marchand to generate offense through their first line, and will definitely be missed while he watched from home for the next six games. After long-time Boston goaltender Tuuka Rask officially announced his retirement this week, the netminder responsibilities trickle down to Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, who have both split time between the pipes this season. Ullmark is 16-6-1 so far on the season with a 9.13 save percentage, and an average of 2.64 goals against, while Swayman is 8-7-2 with a .914 save percentage, and an average of 2.35 goals against. Since Swayman started in net against the Penguins on Tuesday, it wouldn't be a surprise if Ullmark got the starting nod tonight, although both goalies are solid choices, just as long as the Bruins can get more production from their offense without Brad Marchand in the mix.
Final Hurricanes-Bruins Prediction & Pick
I can't emphasize enough how big of a loss not having Marchand is for the Bruins. With the Hurricanes having lost twice in a row and now just one point away from losing the top seed in the Metropolitan, I expect them to take advantage of the hurting Bruins and leave Boston with two points tonight.
Final Hurricanes-Bruins Prediction & Pick: Hurricanes (-142)
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