The Carolina Hurricanes will try to take a commanding 3-0 series lead as they face the Boston Bruins in Game 3 at the TD Garden. It's time to continue our NHL odds series with a Hurricanes-Bruins Game 3 prediction and pick.

 

The Hurricanes defeated the Bruins 5-2 in Game 2 to secure a 2-0 series lead. Jesper Fast struck fast with a goal on a pass from Jordan Staal and Jacob Slavin to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead in the first period. Then, just over two minutes later, Sebastian Aho flung a shot past Boston goalie Linus Ullmark for a goal to make it 2-0 Hurricanes. Carolina entered the second with a lead, and Aho did more damage when he sniped a power-play goal past Ullmark to make it 3-0. However, Patrice Bergeron got the Bruins on the board when he tucked a loose puck into the net for a power-play goal. 

Carolina clapped back with another power-play goal, this time from Nino Niederreiter, and the Hurricanes led 4-1 going into the third. Conversely, Bergeron had more to give, as he delivered on a pass from Charlie McAvoy to give the Bruins their second goal. It cut the deficit to two goals, but that was as close as the Bruins would get as they fell 5-2.

Ullmark finished with 29 saves on 33 shots for the Bruins. Coach Bruce Cassidy has stated that Jeremy Swayman will be in net for Game 3 amid the 2-0 hole. Pyotr Kochetkov made 30 saves on 32 shots in relief of Antti Raanta. Raanta and Frederik Andersen are injured, so Kochetkov has taken the reigns and might start Game 3 if Raanta cannot go.

Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Hurricanes-Bruins NHL Playoffs odds:

NHL Playoffs Odds: Hurricanes-Bruins Odds

Hurricanes: +1.5 (-260)

Bruins: -1.5 (+210)

Over: -5.5 (-120)

Under: 5.5 (-102)

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Why The Hurricanes Could Cover The Spread

Carolina has won all five games they have played against Boston this season. Additionally, every win has come by two goals or more. The Hurricanes won both games in Boston by a combined score of 13-1. Thus, Carolina has dominated every aspect of this match against Boston. One thing the Hurricanes have been good at doing has been shutting down David Pastrnak. Consequently, Pastrnak has not scored in this series and has one lone assist in all five games combined. Carolina's ability to shut down ‘Pasta' has benefited them tremendously and allowed them to dominate Boston. 

The Hurricanes have commanded the faceoff circle, winning 55 percent of the draws in Game 2. Additionally, Carolina capitalized on its many power-play chances by converting two in Game 1. Aho continues to deliver masterful hockey at its finest and does not seem to be letting up. The Hurricanes play a style that can slow the game down to a crawl, and also have the ability to light up the lamp in spurts. It has been this versatility that has enabled them to succeed at great lengths this season. Goaltending and defense have been astounding in this series as they have limited the Bruins to three goals over two games. Raanta and Kochetkov have performed admirably and kept the Hurricanes in the game when they needed to. 

The Hurricanes will cover the spread if they can stop Pastrnak again, limiting the all-star winger's options. Also, Carolina covers if it takes advantage of its power-play opportunities. The Hurricanes should have no issue if goaltending and defense remain excellent. 

Why The Bruins Could Cover The Spread

Boston has lost five games this season to Carolina. However, the Bruins will turn to Swayman, and he could be a difference-maker. Swayman faced the Hurricanes one time this season, allowing two goals on 23 shots in a 3-0 loss on October 28, 2021. Now, he gets the chance to turn this series around. 

Pastrnak needs to score. There is no other way to put it. Subsequently, he has been quiet in this series despite a barrage of shot attempts. Pastrnak fired eight shots in Game 2, but none of them lit the lamp. Now, Pastrnak must rediscover his scoring touch and find a way to will the Bruins back in this series. The Bruins need to stop taking so many penalties as they gave the Hurricane nine power-play chances in Game 2. In addition to that, Boston must win more faceoffs. Carolina dominated in the faceoff circle, and it gave them more scoring chances. 

The Bruins will cover the spread if Swayman can deliver an excellent game. Also, the Bruins need Pastrnak to play at an elite level. Boston will give him more chances if it can cut down on penalties and win more faceoffs. 

Final Hurricanes-Bruins Prediction & Pick

Game 3 will test the Bruins. They must win to avoid the dreaded 0-3 hole. Despite not beating Carolina all season, Boston still has the tools and skills to take a game. The wildcard is Swayman, as it could change the direction of the series. Expect the Bruins to come out hard on home ice, and steal a game from the Hurricanes to make it a series again. 

Final Hurricanes-Bruins Prediction & Pick: Bruins Moneyline (-125)