The Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes face off on Thursday in an NHL showdown at Lenovo Center. Below is a breakdown of the matchup, including a prediction and betting pick.
Boston Bruins Betting Preview
The Bruins are struggling, having lost seven of their last eight games, including defeats against the Wild and Predators. Their upcoming schedule doesn’t get any easier, with matchups against the Lightning, Panthers, and Senators on the horizon.
Offensively, Boston is averaging 2.7 goals per game and converting on just 15.2% of their power play chances. David Pastrnak leads the team with 32 goals, while Brad Marchand has 26 assists. Morgan Geekie has contributed 114 shots on goal. Defensively, the Bruins are allowing 3.17 goals per game and have a penalty kill success rate of 76.4%. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman has allowed 133 goals on 1,279 shots faced, while Joonas Korpisalo has surrendered 53 goals on 507 shots.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview
The Hurricanes come into this game with momentum after securing victories against the Flames and Red Wings. A win here would give them three consecutive victories for the first time since January 20-23. Carolina will face the Jets, Lightning, and Red Wings in their next three games.
The Hurricanes are averaging 3.18 goals per game while converting 19% of their power play opportunities. Sebastian Aho leads Carolina with 23 goals, while Martin Necas has dished out 39 assists. Andrei Svechnikov has tallied 164 shots on goal. Defensively, the Hurricanes are allowing just 2.73 goals per game and boast an impressive penalty kill percentage of 83.7%. Spencer Martin has allowed 27 goals on 175 shots, while Pyotr Kochetkov has given up 91 goals on 926 shots.
Key Trends Favoring Carolina
- The Hurricanes have won seven straight home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Bruins have dropped seven of their last eight games.
- Boston has failed to cover the puck line in its last five games at Lenovo Center following a loss.
- Carolina has covered the puck line in six of its last seven home games against Eastern Conference foes.
- The Bruins have lost the third period in their last eight road games against Eastern Conference teams.
Key Trends Favoring Boston
- The Hurricanes have lost three of their last four home games as favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
- The road team has won six of the Bruins’ last seven games.
- Underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Bruins’ last eight games.
- Carolina has failed to cover the puck line in its last six games against teams on a losing streak.
- In six of the Bruins’ last seven games at Lenovo Center, the team leading after the first period has also won the second period.
Matchup & League Facts
- The Hurricanes rank 2nd in penalty kill percentage (83.7%).
- Carolina ranks 8th in goals against per game (2.73).
- The Bruins rank 29th in power play percentage (15.18%).
- Boston ranks 28th in goals per game (2.70).
Injury Report
- Carolina Hurricanes: William Carrier, Jesper Fast (out).
- Boston Bruins: Hampus Lindholm, Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy (out).
Hurricanes vs Bruins Prediction
The Bruins have the talent and experience to turn things around, but they’ve been struggling mightily. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have been inconsistent lately but are coming off consecutive wins and have been dominant at home, winning 23 games. Given Boston’s recent slump and road struggles, Carolina has the edge here. Expect the Hurricanes to take advantage and secure another victory. The recommendation is to back the Hurricanes, including laying the puck line to enhance the value.