NHL Betting Picks: Expert NHL Bets and Props for Carolina Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Penguins
The NHL betting landscape is heating up as the Carolina Hurricanes embark on a six-game road trip, starting against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena this Friday night. With the puck set to drop at 7 p.m. ET and the game available for viewing or streaming on NHL Network, fans and bettors alike are eagerly preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown.
Carolina Hurricanes: A Season in Progress
After a rocky start that saw them fall 4-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in their season opener, the Hurricanes rebounded impressively by defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-2. This bounce-back victory came as a moderate favorite with odds of -160. The Hurricanes are well aware that road trips are a regular part of their strategy early in the season, especially due to the North Carolina State Fair, which restricts access to venues like Lenovo Center, prompting the team to hit the road for an extended period.
Carolina’s early scoring dynamics have been impressive, with players such as Sebastian Aho, Jackson Blake, Shayne Gostisbehere, Seth Jarvis, and Jordan Staal each netting a goal. However, the power play has been a point of concern, as the Hurricanes found themselves going 0-for-1 against the Devils and 0-for-4 against the Lightning. Their penalty kill has been slightly better at 1-for-3 and 6-for-6 in those respective games.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Ups and Downs
On the other side of the ice, the Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off a dramatic 6-5 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres, marking their second consecutive victory. The Penguins have demonstrated a ‘feast or famine’ approach this season; in their three wins, they’ve tallied six goals in each game. Conversely, in their two losses — a 4-2 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs and a 2-0 setback in their opener against the New York Rangers — they’ve scored only two goals. This stark contrast has kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Historically, these teams have been evenly matched, each winning two of four encounters last season while the home teams prevailed in all four games. Furthermore, the trend has leaned towards the Under, with the total scoring going low in the past ten meetings between these Metropolitan Division rivals.
Goaltender Matchup: A Tale of Two Styles
For the Hurricanes, it looks like Frederik Andersen (0-1-0, 2.06 GAA, .905 SV%) will take to the net against the Penguins, who are expected to start Joel Blomqvist (2-1-0, 2.86 GAA, .913 SV%). Andersen’s experience and past performances could prove advantageous as the Hurricanes look to capitalize on their opponent’s inconsistencies.
Both goaltenders have displayed flashes of brilliance early on, making this matchup critical as their respective teams aim to gain momentum through solid defensive plays.
NHL Money Line Betting Odds: Why Focus on Carolina?
As the betting lines firm up, the Carolina Hurricanes present themselves as the smart choice for the Money Line at -148 odds through DraftKings. Given their recent performance, a road trip often sparks competitive energy, and this game is set to follow suit.
Additionally, the historic trends strongly favor the home team winning streak; however, team momentum and rebounding from losses must be contended with, making Carolina’s form hard to ignore.
Totals Betting: A Case for the Under
While the Penguins have shown an enticing offensive output, the Under is still recommended. The total has consistently hit low in the recent matchups between these teams, with a record of 7-2-1 towards the Under in their past ten meetings. The Penguins’ goal production, while explosive at times, has also shown inconsistencies, which factors into the predicted output for this game.
Betting enthusiasts should keep this in mind, particularly with the oddsmakers currently setting the total at 6.5 goals. For those placing their bets, Under 6.5, priced at -120 through Caesars Sportsbook, could be a strong player.
Player Props: Targeting Key Individuals
When it comes to player props, avoiding Anytime Goal Scorer wagers aligns with the trend of lower scoring. Instead, bettors should consider focusing on Shots on Goal (SOG) for individual performances.
Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust has become a compelling option after logging six SOG in his last two games, and given his resurgence since a lower-body injury, he is in a prime position to surpass 2.5 SOG, with odds set at -155 at BetMGM.
Meanwhile, Jordan Staal, despite facing difficulty against his former team in past encounters, is posed for at least two shots, given his pivotal role in Carolina’s offensive strategies.
Conclusion
As both teams gear up for battle, this matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins promises excitement, intrigue, and potential profit for astute bettors. With the Hurricanes’ recent resurgence, combined with historical stats supporting the Under and the performance indicators for key players, the betting landscape presents an array of strategic opportunities.
For hockey enthusiasts, Friday night’s game not only serves as a test of skill but a chance to engage in the growing excitement of NHL betting. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, keep these insights in mind as you navigate your predictions for this thrilling matchup.
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