The home team continues to control things in this series as the Bruins staved off elimination with a 5-2 win in Game 6.
Boston scored the first two goals, Carolina countered, then Boston rallied for three more goals in the third period. That third period Over has been a staple, as well, in this series.
Naturally, the home goaltender has been king in this series, too. Jeremy Swayman shut the door making 23 saves as Boston controlled Carolina at even strength, while also killing penalties at a high level in Boston once again. The same predictable formula has continued to pay dividends.
The Hurricanes and Bruins now head into a Game 7 where the officials are expected to put away their whistles for the most part. Does that change things or does the sone remain the same?
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Friday, May 13, at 11 a.m. ET, and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 7 Odds
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (-135) / Bruins (+115)
- Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+190) / Bruins +1.5 (-230)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (+100) / Under 6 (-120)
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Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 7 Prediction
So, Game 7s are supposed to be different. The first six games of this series have gone along like a perfect script to a “made-for-TV movie.” Does the pressure finally hit Carolina or Boston first?
Boston held Carolina to 25 shots in Game 5 as one has to wonder if Sebastian Aho is 100%. Aho, Carolina’s best player, looked “pedestrian” out there. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and company were able to control play even while taking a few too many penalties.
Boston benefitted from last line change yet again while getting all of its depth scoring during the third period in Game 6. That is what Carolina will need in Game 7.
Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis did establish themselves as players to eye from the Hurricanes. They are electric together and will be at home.
The key for Carolina are those two players from the start. Carolina must get the top line rolling and hit everything that moves that is Boston.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 7 Pick
Hurricanes 3, Bruins 1
The Carolina Hurricanes have the younger players for the most part but the health of Aho is a concern. No one can deny that. That being said, this Game 7 felt like a predestined outcome.
This is Rod Brind’Amour’s chance to make the adjustments necessary to repel Cassidy and the Boston Bruins. The final move is Carolina’s in this highly intricate chess game.
Honestly, Boston made this a series. It is up to Carolina to show that having the home-ice advantage means something in the final analysis.
Expect a bare-knuckles lower-scoring game. The Hurricanes and Bruins should be some Game 7, but Carolina is where our prediction lies on Saturday.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 7 Best Bets
Hurricanes in Regulation (+110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The 60-minute number could still edge a bit further down (look around). It ranges from +105 to +110 currently. If this stays at +105 or better, take the Carolina Hurricanes in regulation.
Again, the moneyline remains in the -130 to -135 range. Overtime has not even been a thought in any of the six games so far. That reality appears to come closer in Game 7 but that Carolina home crowd should carry the Hurricanes to another round.
Hurricanes +1.5 Puck Line (+190)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
The Over hit very late on Thursday as there were five goals scored during the final stanza of Game 6. Now, there is a complex convergence here. On one hand, there is the standard Game 7 adage of lower scoring mixed with a scoring surge this season and first round.
What wins out here? How about an empty-net goal to seal the series? That has occurred in every game (look for that prop). Simply, take the Carolina the puck line with a tiny wager on Saturday.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 7 Best Parlay
Hurricanes-Bruins Parlay (+219)
- Hurricanes Moneyline
- Under 6 Goals
WAGER: 0.5 Units
This series has followed a familiar script where the winning team has scored five goals on five occasions and four on the other. If there is any change, it is likely to occur in Game 7.
Sadly, our winning margin parlay cannot be utilized as a parlay but can be now as a single bet. However, may we suggest the Carolina moneyline and the under at 6.0 goals. Using a half unit wager here is prudent.
Now, there is the safer Carolina in 60 parlay with both teams scoring at +135 that can be made at a full unit.
With this Game 7, presenting a couple of different options does not hurt. Let’s take a shot at a closer Game 7 kind of like what Game 3 was.
PREVIOUSLY: Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 6 Prediction
The home team dominance continued in Game 5 as the Carolina Hurricanes held serve after the special teams battle was won by a home team once again. Carolina got goals from Jaccob Slavin and Tony DeAngelo, those early two goals paved the way to a 5-1 win that leaves Carolina one win away from advancing to the second round.
Once again, Antti Raanta was the starter for the Hurricanes and turned in a solid performance. Raanta stopped 33 of 34 shots in the win while Boston’s Jeremy Swayman just could not make that extra save on the road.
Bruce Cassidy watched his team not be unable to convert on the chances they did when the series was in Boston for Games 3 and 4. The only goal for Boston came from Connor Clifton midway through the third period as Clifton found time on the second line. Maybe that is a change that could stay in Boston.
The Hurricanes benefitted from five power-play opportunities in all on Tuesday. Boston had just three chances themselves but could not convert.
Carolina cashed in twice and that was the difference. Carolina’s fifth goal was of the empty-net variety. Seth Jarvis was a key difference-maker with two goals in this game and provided a spark on the man advantage.
The Bruins did play better overall at even strength but again did not cash in on their opportunities. What will happen in Game 6?
Let’s look at Game 6 as this Thursday night game has a 7:00 PM ET start.
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Wednesday, May 11, at 11 a.m. ET, and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 6 Odds
- Moneyline: Bruins (-125) / Hurricanes (+105)
- Puck Line: Bruins -1.5 (+200) / Hurricanes +1.5 (-240)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (+105) / Under 6 (-125)
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 6 Prediction
So, does a road team finally figure this out and make a game of it on Thursday? There has not been a close game in this series from a final score standpoint. Every time it seems like that will happen, it does not.
Carolina did in Game 5 to Boston what they did in the first two games of the series. One slight difference was that both teams did manage to take a few fewer penalties (eight combined compared to 14 in Game 4).
Boston did get a goal on Tuesday from its second line. That depth scoring seemed to only show up in Boston. Meanwhile, the feeling is that Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron expect to benefit again on Thursday with the help of the last line change. That has been pivotal in this series.
The key for Boston is getting off to a good start. Home teams have done that in every game so far.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 6 Pick
Bruins 4, Hurricanes 2
The Carolina Hurricanes appear to be the better team and yet this series just feels all too even. Boston briefly controlled even-strength play in the first period of Game 5 but was still behind by two goals after 20 minutes.
The expectation is that the script of sorts dictates another Boston win to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Saturday.
Honestly, Boston made this a series. It is likely that Boston’s balanced scoring reappears at home and puts Carolina on its heels again.
The Bruins and Hurricanes will be more of a clash on Thursday night but Boston should be able to prevail in what could be a more contested affair.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 6 Best Bets
Bruins to Win in Regulation (+115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston and Carolina pound that special teams hammer to victory. Carolina has won Games 1, 2, and 5 with it while Boston won Games 3 and 4.
Since the odds on the Moneyline are still in the -130 to -135 range, the plus-money win in regulation is again the best bet for Thursday night. Yes, Boston may feel the pressure more in Game 6 than in Games 3 and 4. However, Bergeron, Marchand, and Boston leadership expect to prevail.
Bruins -1.5 Puck Line (+200)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
The Over did push on Tuesday night and it might again on Thursday. There is some inkling to side with the Under here, but the Puck Line has been a constant throughout this entire series.
There is little to believe that much will change. On the other hand, this could be the closest the pick comes to failing.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 6 Best Parlay
Hurricanes-Bruins Parlay (+140)
- Bruins Moneyline
- Both Teams to Score
WAGER: 0.5 Units
This series dealt us a slight blow as Boston could not quite get to the two-goal mark. Keeping wagers scaled back is prudent as the intensity of the games keeps trending upward.
With the numbers trending the way they are, playing smart and picking spots is more prudent on Thursday. Going with a two-legged parlay is the best option from here on out. Bet with your head and not your heart.
PREVIOUSLY: Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 5 Prediction
The Boston Bruins got their special teams moving in the right direction again in Game 4. Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta played well in his return, battling to keep the game close, and Carolina was yet again slightly better than Boston at even strength.
However, Boston outscored Carolina’s power play as two man-advantage tallies paved the way to a 5-2 Bruins win in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. That leaves the series even at two heading towards a pivotal Game 5 in Raleigh on Tuesday night.
Bruce Cassidy’s switch to goaltender Jeremy Swayman has worked so far. Swayman has allowed just four goals in the two games he has appeared in and made the saves in Boston that neither Carolina goaltender could. That is winning playoff hockey.
The Bruins benefitted from nine, yes nine, power-play opportunities in all on Sunday. The Hurricanes had five chances themselves but could not convert. Boston did twice and that was the difference. Boston’s fifth goal was of the empty-net variety. Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Patrice Bergeron combined for four goals and six assists.
In short, the Bruins won the special teams battle again. Can the Hurricanes turn that trend as the scene shifts back to Carolina?
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Monday, May 9, at 11 a.m. ET, and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 5 Odds
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (-135) /Bruins (+115)
- Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+175) /Bruins +1.5 (-220)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-105) /Under 6 (-115)
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 5 Prediction
So, Antti Raanta is the goaltender for Carolina. That much is clear. Now, can the Hurricanes take a few fewer penalties? This is a valid question. Boston has drawn far more penalties than Carolina is accustomed to killing.
That is part of what Carolina did to Boston in the first two games of the series. The only common thread in the first four games is that the Hurricanes have been the slightly better team at even strength. However, if so many penalties are committed, then that advantage is worthless and less.
Carolina’s top-ranked penalty kill is not faring well and needs to see less time. There is little question of that. The Hurricanes need to go on the offensive while playing the “downhill” style that made them successful in Games 1 and 2.
Carolina’s depth advantage was largely neutralized in Boston and so was their balance. Can Sebastian Aho and company battle back?
The thought process is that this has to be it for Carolina. Feeding off the home crowd is paramount, but so is a fast start.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 5 Pick
Hurricanes 4, Bruins 2
The Hurricanes should be able to take advantage of the special teams battle on Tuesday night. Expect a few more calls to go their way and maybe the referees in general lay off the whistle a bit more.
Things could also be different for Jeremy Swayman in Carolina. How will he play in a hostile environment? That is an unknown in this pivotal game.
Boston has truly made this a series. Can they keep baiting Carolina?
The Hurricanes’ resolve will be tested more than anytime this season. They failed last year against Tampa Bay. The expectation is that Carolina has learned something and will find a way to win on Tuesday night.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 5 Best Bets
Hurricanes in 60 Minutes (+102)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston and Carolina keep hammering home the importance of special teams execution in the playoffs. Carolina won the battle in Games 1 and 2. Boston won it in Games 3 and 4.
Since the odds on the Moneyline are still pretty high (-140), taking a shot at a plus-money win in regulation is again a best bet for Tuesday night. It won’t be easy for Carolina to take the momentum back in this series, however, the benefit of the last line change could loom large in Carolina.
Over 6 Goals (+100)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The correction felt inevitable here as three straight games have hit exactly seven goals combined. Let’s take one more shot at this.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this total pushed on Tuesday night.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 5 Best Parlay
Hurricanes-Bruins Parlay (+160) at DraftKings
- Hurricanes Moneyline
- Both Teams to Score Two Goals
WAGER: 1 Unit
This series keeps allowed us to strike back with vengeance in Game 4. Simply, let’s keep the puck rolling as this has been overall quite profitable so far.
With the Moneyline and both teams having to score two goals, the parlay works with slightly better numbers even with the Over at 6. There is risk here with Carolina allowing less than two goals, however. Hence, the idea is to scale back down to a half unit wager.
PREVIOUSLY: Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 4 Prediction
The Boston Bruins finally got going in Game 3. Then, Hurricanes fill-in goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov battled to keep the game close. At even strength, the Carolina Hurricanes were still better than Boston. The Bruins scored twice on the man advantage and added a short-handed goal to win 4-2 on Friday night.
Bruce Cassidy’s switch to Jeremy Swayman worked to a point. Swayman got a bit lucky at times but turned aside 25 of the 27 shots he faced. Swayman made a couple of key stops that Linus Ullmark could not in the first two games.
David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand teamed up on three of the four Boston goals and Charlie Coyle changed the game with his short-handed tally. Carolina did at least have Antti Raanta healthy which was good news after what happened to him in Game 2.
The Bruins won the special teams battle in what became a game that was a little more plodding in some ways. Sunday afternoon could feature more of the same. Can Boston keep winning special teams?
Let’s look at Game 4 with the caveat that this Mother’s Day game has a 12:30 PM ET start.
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m. ET, and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 4 Odds
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (+115) / Bruins (-135)
- Puckline: Hurricanes +1.5 (-230) / Bruins -1.5 (+190)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) / Under 5.5 (+105)
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 4 Prediction
The Carolina Hurricanes now have the decision to make. Kochetkov gave up four goals in Game 3 and Antti Raanta appears to be healthy. Now, does Rod Brind’amour turn to him as expected?
If that wasn’t enough, Boston kept the minors taken even in Game 3. That was key along with the 3-0 advantage generated from special teams. Will both happen in Game 4? That is uncertain. On the other hand, Boston has a bit of a blueprint and last line change to help.
Carolina’s top-ranked penalty kill is now the one facing some questions and special teams as well. Boston was finding seams that were not there in Game 1. The Bruins adjusted and now how will Carolina counter?
Will Boston be able to continue the momentum generated from their four unanswered goals in Game 3? Or will Carolina find a way to steal an afternoon weekend road game?
Carolina must play downhill hockey. When they try to battle back, their team just has issues doing so. It is why Game 4 is so vital, as are the concerns that the Hurricanes will revert to their previous recent playoff history against Boston.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 4 Pick
Hurricanes 4, Bruins 2
The Carolina Hurricanes took some steps backward on Friday night and that gets people thinking that a superior Carolina team could succumb to the Bruins again. It is a great question, but it does seem the special teams’ battle has become vital once more.
Boston managed to get Taylor Hall, David Pastrnak, and Brad Marchand all rolling at the same time. Add in the Coyle play late in the first period and the recipe is there. If Carolina had gone up 2-0, instead of 1-1, the series likely was over right then and there.
The expectation is that Raanta will get the call on Sunday afternoon against Jeremy Swayman. Raanta does have the experience factor while Swayman has yielded just four goals in his last two starts versus Carolina.
Give Boston a lot of credit for flipping the script on Friday night against a younger, faster Carolina team.
The Bruins found something that works against Carolina. Can they keep hammering on it? They will try to in every way on Sunday afternoon at home.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 4 Best Bets
Bruins in 60 Minutes (+106)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston and Carolina have illustrated just how vital special teams set the table when it comes to the playoffs. In Game 3, the Bruins turned the tables and rode the momentum to a 4-2 win. They may be able to pull this off on Sunday afternoon with a slightly shorter turnaround.
Since the odds on the Moneyline are trending in a less profitable direction, taking a shot at a plus-money win in regulation is our best bet for Sunday afternoon. Yes, Boston tying the series is a risky pick. However, it looks like the Bruins did manage to play a little smarter. If they keep doing that, this goes back to Carolina tied at two games apiece.
Over 5.5 Goals (-125)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The strange part is this will stop connecting eventually but why stray too far from it. Now, it is getting close to a point of no-return number. Anything worse than -125 makes this pick one to stay away from.
So, the 5.5 Over is attainable again, and getting the Under at plus money is intriguing. Yes, Carolina could score three goals even on the road, but Boston can at home obviously. It just seems like there are still goals to be had on Sunday afternoon. Again, it comes down to that number.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 4 Best Parlay
Hurricanes-Bruins Parlay (+250)
- Bruins Moneyline
- Both Teams to Score Two Goals
WAGER: 1 Unit
This series keeps proving us just wrong enough. Has it been profitable? Yes. However, Game 3 was a lesson learned. The advice is depending on the numbers, even a fractional unit wager is prudent here.
Boston responded on Friday night. How fast does Carolina counter? Is it in Boston or back in Carolina?
Boston kept things even at 5-on-5 and minimized high-danger scoring chances allowed. The number of penalties did disrupt game flow but there is a template here.
With the Moneyline and both teams having to score two goals, the parlay works in the sense if one feels hesitant about that Over of 5.5 goals on Sunday. Finally, it offers better numbers too (+250 compared to +213).
PREVIOUSLY: Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 3 Prediction
The Carolina Hurricanes absorbed a few more blows in Game 2. Then, Antti Raanta left the game with an upper-body injury. That paved the way for rookie Pyotr Kochetkov, who stopped 30 of 32 shots as Carolina easily won again by a score of 5-2 over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
On the other hand, Linus Ullmark made 29 stops on 33 shots in as Boston became more and more frustrated. The game was punctuated by two Sebastian Aho goals that gave Carolina a 3-0 lead as they never looked back.
Nino Niederreiter and Jesper Fast finished off the Hurricanes scoring as the former had two goals and the latter a goal and an assist. The usual suspects played a role and even Tony DeAngelo added three helpers as Carolina held serve.
The Bruins were stymied again by an opportunistic offense that dominated when they had to. Now, the scene shifts up to Boston as the Bruins try to avoid going on the brink of elimination. A home loss on Friday would do just that.
Let’s dive into Game 3 a little more in detail.
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Thursday, May 5, at 10 a.m. ET, and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 3 Odds
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (+115) / Bruins (-135)
- Puckline: Hurricanes +1.5 (-250) / Bruins -1.5 (+205)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) / Under 5.5 (+100)
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 3 Prediction
The Boston Bruins have a decision to make. Ullmark has given up four goals in each game so far this series. Now, the Carolina Hurricanes are finding balanced scoring too.
If that wasn’t enough, they absorbed the loss of Raanta. Kochetkov will have a challenge on the road but with how good Carolina has been, maybe that worries few.
Carolina upped their offensive output and scored a couple of power-play goals to boot. Both teams scored a power-play goal as Boston finally connected via a Brad Marchand man-advantage tally.
Now, can Boston finally get that first goal? That is a big question. It would go a long way in changing the series.
Carolina has been able to play downhill. The problem is that Carolina is younger, faster, and simply just the better team at this point.
This is now a must-win for Boston. Going down three games to none is a deficit Boston will not come back from. The Bruins just have not shown the ability to stop the bleeding when they need to.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 3 Pick
Hurricanes 4, Bruins 2
So, the Carolina Hurricanes got five goals in Game 1 and Game 2. That surprised enough people. That may not quite happen in Game 3 but the chances they get to three goals first before Boston does is still better.
They got contributions from Niederreiter, Seth Jarvis, and Vincent Trocheck. Their top-nine had far more balance than what Boston delivered.
Kotchetkov showed he could also shut down Boston. The goaltender just finds ways to win much like the Hurricanes. The key is the Russian made the stops that Ullmark and maybe not even Jeremy Swayman is the answer.
Even Patrice Bergeron scoring twice did not stem the tide. Carolina just bounced right back and scored after each Bergeron tally. That is the mark of a team not afraid of much of anything.
The problem for Boston is Carolina has shown they can beat Boston anywhere and everywhere. That is the likely outcome again on Friday night in Beantown.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 3 Best Bets
Hurricanes Moneyline (+115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston and Carolina are still closer than even Games 1 and 2 showed. While Carolina has the more balanced offense, Boston has generated more than enough scoring chances from their lines to show much the same balance.
Since the odds have shifted reflecting an urgency, that only may help in taking a shot with the plus-money moneyline. There is a real chance again that Kochetkov and Swayman do square off. At plus-money, we like this for our NHL bet of the day.
Over 5.5 Goals (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The rationale is the game should not blow up in the third period. Honestly, Game 1 was a bailout of the most unexpected kind. At 2-1 Carolina, few expected them to rally back for three consecutive goals.
So, the 5.5 Over is attainable again, and getting the Under at even money is reasonable enough to take a shot at. Yes, Carolina could keep scoring 4-5 goals a game without hesitation but so could Boston at home. It just seems like this lean is more on Carolina getting there first in what could be a wild night.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 3 Best Parlay
Hurricanes-Bruins Parlay (+294)
- Carolina Moneyline (+115)
- Over 5.5 Goals (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This series shows little signs of tilting and though it is possible, but Carolina has the control here. Until something dramatic changes, the Hurricanes can easily cover the moneyline. After all, Carolina has outscored Boston 10-3 so far – winning each game by scoring five times.
At some point, Boston has to respond earlier, right? That is the burning question.
Boston missed more chances to knot the game on Wednesday night at 2. That has been a theme. The Bruins have not been able to capitalize at those crucial moments where the Hurricanes have done so.
A fun parlay would be to combine a Carolina 60-minute win with the Over 5.5 goals. That pays at +390 instead of +294. Good luck!
PREVIOUSLY: Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 2 Prediction
The Carolina Hurricanes allowed some unusual scoring chances early in Game 1. However, Antti Raanta stole the show and held the fort long enough until the offense came through. What resulted was a 5-1 win over the Boston Bruins that looked a lot like the three regular-season meetings.
Raanta made 35 stops on 36 shots in all as Boston seemed to grow more and more frustrated. The game was punctuated by a three-goal third period from Carolina that turned the game from a lock for the under to a connection on the over.
Vincent Trocheck and Seth Jarvis led the way with a goal and an assist each. The usual suspects played a role and even Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal. However, the one thing different from the regular season was Sebastian Aho and the top line did not have as easy of a time creating opportunities.
The Bruins were the ones stymied by the superior goaltending as their top line could not solve Raanta. If they are to win Game 2 or stay competitive, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron must figure something out (at even strength or special teams). Otherwise, this could become a short series.
Let’s dive into Game 2 a little more in detail.
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. ET, and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 2 Odds
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (-120) / Bruins (+100)
- Puckline: Hurricanes -1.5 (+220) / Bruins +1.5 (-270)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) / Under 5.5 (+100)
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 2 Prediction
The Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes expect to see Linus Ullmark and Raanta face off in goal again. Ullmark was not bad in Game 1 and did make some quality stops early. Game 2 does expect to be a bit tighter and Ullmark will have to make those critical saves throughout the game.
Carolina enjoyed a good deal of balance in the first game over Boston. A dozen different players had at least a point and five players had a goal each. That was spread among their top three lines as they were more opportunistic (just 25 shots on goal).
Neither team was effective at all on the power play and with two of the top penalty kills in the league, that was expected. Both squads went 0-for-3.
The team that figures out their special teams first probably wins Game 2 or at least generates more effective chances. Either way, Carolina showed in Game 1 they can make Boston pay for their mistakes.
This may be almost a must-win for Boston. Going down 2-0 heading back home is not the end of the world but a confident Carolina team is not a good sign. However, if the Hurricanes continue to create and counter well, they have the superior firepower to make this a shorter series.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 2 Pick
Hurricanes 3, Bruins 2
Give the Carolina Hurricanes high marks for playing smart in Game 1. They did give up more quality chances than usual but those seemed to lessen as the contest wore on.
They got contributions from Nino Niederreiter, Jarvis, and Trocheck. Their top-nine had far more balance than what Boston delivered.
Raanta showed he could shut down Boston. The first period saw him stop all 14 shots and that calmed the Hurricanes down defensively.
However, he made those timely stops that his counterpart could not. That was also vital.
That does not mean Boston cannot still steal home-ice advantage in Game 2. Again, Bruce Cassidy and the Bruins should be able to make some adjustments to be more successful offensively. Will they be enough?
The problem is Carolina can play any style and though this game figures to be closer, the result expects to be the same – just closer.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 2 Best Bets
Carolina Moneyline (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston and Carolina are closer than even Game 1 appeared. While Carolina has the more balanced offense, Boston is more than capable of staying with Carolina offensively and defensively.
Since the odds did not move from Game 1, why not play it again for Game 2? That Carolina home crowd made a huge difference in the third period and the expectation is that could occur again. We feel good about making this our NHL bet of the day.
Under 5.5 Goals (+100)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The rationale is the game should not blow up in the third period. Honestly, Game 1 was a bailout of the most unexpected kind. At 2-1 Carolina, few expected them to rally back for three consecutive goals.
Though the 5.5 Over is attainable again, getting the Under at even money is reasonable enough to take a shot at. Yes, Carolina could again blow this out of the water with a storm of their own, but Boston has enough defensively in the tank to keep this a “3-2 contest in a 3-2 league.”
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 2 Best Parlay
Hurricanes-Bruins Parlay (+267)
- Carolina Moneyline (-120)
- Under 5.5 Goals (+100)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This series has the feel of playing things a little more conservative than usual. There are risks to be had but those seem too dangerous. Even in Game 1, most parlays and props connected more based on luck than anything else.
The feeling also is that Boston should be able to keep Game 2 closer than Game 1. Again, this was a 3-1 contest until the final few minutes.
Boston missed a couple wide-open chances to cut the game to 3-2 even. The door is open for a one-goal outcome.
A slightly more risky parlay would be to combine an anytime David Pastrnak goal with the Carolina moneyline and the under. That pays out at +1300 on Wednesday night.
PREVIOUSLY: Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 1 Prediction
The Carolina Hurricanes retooled a bit after their failure against the Tampa Bay Lightning in last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. That result was a Metropolitan Division crown this time and a date with the Boston Bruins starting Monday night.
Carolina is led by Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teravainen. The Hurricanes’ big three along with their depth form the nucleus of a team that went 54-20-8 in the regular season. For the Hurricanes, it will come down to goaltending, as it always does.
The Boston Bruins come into these playoffs with a 51-26-5 mark. It has not been an easy year for the Bruce Cassidy-coached squad.
Unlike Rod Brind’Amour, Cassidy has seen a good deal in the way of injuries. Yet, Boston has persevered.
How Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand handle the Aho line likely determines Game 1 and beyond. Can Carolina cruise right past Boston like they did three times in the regular season? Here are our predictions for the first game of the NHL Playoffs between the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins.
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Monday, May 2, at 10 a.m. ET, and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 1 Odds
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (-120) / Bruins (+100)
- Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+220) / Bruins +1.5 (-275)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-115) / Under 5.5 (+105)
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 1 Prediction
The Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes will get reacquainted to playoff hockey quickly. This will not be how like it was in the bubble where Boston won with ease.
However, it appears like the goaltending matchup will be Linus Ullmark versus Antti Raanta. That seems to favor Boston. Carolina has been building the steps and foundation necessary to make a deep playoff run. However, the question will always be their goaltending.
They limit chances well in the regular season but what happens when adversity hits? That is when we truly find out about Carolina. It may come early in this series.
Boston has ridden a hot stretch by Ullmark to this position. Kindly throw the regular season numbers out the window, as Carolina outscored Boston 16-1 in three easy wins but the Bruins were not at full strength. Both teams are pretty even at this juncture even with Freddie Andersen out for Carolina, for now.
This is probably the game for Boston to steal. The Bruins can pounce on an opponent and play a frustrating brand of playoff hockey that aggravates any team.
It comes down to execution. If Carolina bolts out of the gate, all bets are off. Game 1’s often are the toughest to bet and this tilt is no exception.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 1 Pick
Hurricanes 4, Bruins 2
Did the Carolina Hurricanes learn their lesson from two years ago? We find out Monday night and this may come early. The wrinkle of a Seth Jarvis could pay early dividends for Carolina along with Tony DeAngelo and a more maligned Carolina defense.
Raanta is more than capable of winning games for Carolina. He has played well against Boston in the past but more importantly, possesses a unique composure in this type of setting.
- Want more Stanley Cup betting tips? Read our Hurricanes vs Bruins props.
Ullmark from Boston has not been here before. Which one can be “the guy” early on? The money seems to be on Raanta.
That does not mean Boston cannot steal home-ice advantage in Game 1. Again, throw all the numbers one has seen from the regular season out the front door into the trash.
The second season starts anew, and Carolina will have a crowd to feed off of and that provides a huge advantage early on.
Boston will have their moments in this game but Carolina should be able to carry play for longer stretches. Carolina tops the league in goals allowed, shots allowed, and their penalty kill (88%).
Boston is not far behind but Carolina averages 3.38 goals a game to Boston’s 3.09. Expect that to make a difference in Game 1.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 1 Best Bets
Hurricanes Moneyline (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston and Carolina are too risky to play with as far as the puckline. Even the prediction could quickly fall by the wayside as there are expected to be more swings err lead chances than compared to the regular season.
Siding with the moneyline and Carolina is a safer wager and with Game 1 odds being quite reasonable as well.
Over 5.5 Goals (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The thought process is that if goals are going to come, they may come early in this series. Carolina again can score with the best teams. Boston can produce shots at a rate of 36 per night.
If Boston can get a couple past Raanta early or Carolina can strike quickly, this changes the complexion of Game 1. That is something that could very well happen. At 5.5, the Over is attainable as our NHL bet of the day.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Game 1 Best Parlay
Hurricanes-Bruins Parlay (+243)
- Carolina Moneyline (-120)
- Over 5.5 Goals (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This makes sense to combine a small favorite with a modest total. The idea is to try and not overthink the first game of a series too much. Both teams are rested and the electricity of the home crowd for the Hurricanes should be enough.
Boston should be able to feed off of any Carolina jitters, as well. It is why the tendency to look at the goal total is reasonable enough on Monday night. Goals may be more difficult to come by as this series wages on.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Odds To Win Series
- Hurricanes (-130)
- Bruins (+110)
Hurricanes vs Bruins Series Prediction
This may be the last postseason we see Bergeron. There has been some talk that Bergeron could retire at the end of this postseason.
He is 36 and has played a ton of hockey. One thinks of all the injuries and mileage and it makes sense.
Boston wants to send their captain out with a bang and the Bruins have had past playoff success against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Carolina has a chance to rewrite the script this time with fans in attendance as we mentioned above. Their younger core is a couple of years older and that plays a role here.
Can Raanta stay healthy and play the way he has shown. He did go 4-1 in April for Carolina.
It appears Boston will have to deal with a slightly more dynamic Carolina team. Both teams have their flaws but the Hurricanes are more built to combat the Bruins this time around. Their balance will be a big reason why Carolina advances.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Series Pick
Hurricanes in 6 Games
This could be a longer series but Carolina not having Andersen in net may create a good kind of urgency for the Hurricanes. Boston has goaltending with zero playoff experience where at least Raanta has seen a couple of short playoff runs. It is beneficial for a hungry team like Carolina to be greeted with such a matchup.
The best time for Carolina to draw Boston was now. Expect Carolina to advance in six entertaining and chippy hockey games.
Hurricanes vs Bruins Series Best Bets
Series to Go 6 or 7 Games (+190)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The goal is to keep things simple. Boston and Carolina playing a short series would be quite a shock here.
With the flexibility of having the same numbers (six or seven games at +190), a wager is much easier to stomach here. It boils down to picking one.
For this series, our preference is six games.
