NHL Hockey Free Predictions: Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens
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Team records:
Carolina: 32-35-9
Montreal: 37-31-8
Tonight, 7:05p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds: Hurricanes +140, Canadiens -160
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The seemingly playoff bound Montreal Canadiens play host to the seemingly golf course bound Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night in the third of four meetings between the two sides. Montreal has been playing decent hockey recently while the Hurricanes have been average.
The Carolina Hurricanes were supposed to challenge for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this season but thanks to underwhelming seasons from Eric Staal, Eric Cole and Rod Brind’Amour, the Canes have floundered near the bottom of the NHL standings all season.
Recently, the Hurricanes have been able to raise the level of their play at times (3 wins against Washington and 2 wins against Pittsburgh this month), but have been unable to sustain any of their good play. Although they are still technically alive in the playoff race, their fate was sealed as early as January.
The Carolina actually got some good news this week – goaltender Cam Ward returned from his back injury and posted a shutout in Carolina’s last game against Atlanta. Other good news is that they will be playing at the Bell Center on Wednesday night, where they are 7-0-2 in their last 9 trips.
Jussi Jokinen has four points in his last three games defenseman Jamie McBain has eight points in eight games while “the future” of the Hurricanes Brandon Sutter has been solid this season. The Canes are a better team than their record indicates. Does that mean a win in Montreal? Probably not.
The Montreal Canadiens’ 6-2-2 record in their last 10 games is a little deceiving considering that they have gone a disappointing 1-2-2 in their last five games. Still, the Canadiens are in seventh place in the East, four points up on ninth place Atlanta – only one point out of sixth place and five points out of fifth. 
The Canadiens fortunes appear to have turned their fortunes around after they finally settled on a number one goaltender. Jaroslav Halak has taken over as the unquestioned number one, ending the controversy and uncertainty that was rampant in Montreal.
Brian Gionta has provided an offensive spark along with Scott Gomez, Tomas Plekanek and Andrei Kostitsyn who has started to finally heat up. Goal scoring leader Mike Cammalleri has returned to the lineup but has not been a factor just yet.
The Montreal Canadiens will be looking to improve upon their recent 4-2 home stretch and will be hoping that their struggling second ranked power play re-ignites itself before the playoffs start. The Habs will miss Glen Metropolit who is out for the season after shoulder surgery but will be just fine.
Montreal should be motivated to move past the Flyers for sixth place in the Eastern Conference and should come out with a strong performance before their insanely passionate fans.
NHL Betting Trends:
Carolina is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina’s last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina’s last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal’s last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal’s last 6 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Montreal’s last 11 games when playing at home against Carolina
Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Free Pick: Montreal Canadiens -160
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