Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Predators vs Hurricanes NHL Odds
Looking for Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Predators taking on the Hurricanes on Monday, May 17th, 2021 at PNC Arena in Carolina. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey games all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions like this Predators Hurricanes matchup.
NHL Handicapping Analysis
(31-23-2) Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes (36-12-8)
Date: Monday, May 17th, 2021
Time: 8:00pm ET
Venue: PNC Arena in Carolina
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Predators +165 Hurricanes -185
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: Predators +1.5 -170 Hurricanes -1.5 +150
NHL Betting Total: 5
On Sunday night the Hurricanes will host the Predators for the opening game in the first round series. Carolina in the last 10 meetings between these teams is 7-3.
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators come into the playoffs as maybe one of the hottest teams, they are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Nashville has struggled in this match up though as of late just 3-6-1 in their last 10 match ups. Nashville’s success this season has started from the back end, they give up the 11 least amount of goals in the league.
They do how ever give up lots of shots, so great goaltending will be need if they want any sort of playoff success. .
Speaking of Nashville’s goalies, it should be Juuse Saros between the pipes for game one, he has a vezina nomination sort of season he is 21-11-1 with a 2.27 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Even though his 1-2 record vs Carolina doesn’t look flattering you have to look at a couple things, he has a 9.17 save percentage in those games and you have to factor in that the Hurricanes are one of the best teams in the league.
Can the Predators offence help him out?
Nashville’s offence is going to need to be better then it was during the regular season, they only average 2.7 goals per game and that’s only good enough for 21st in the league, they also don’t have a great power play at only 17 percent (23rd in the league). One thing they do quite well is test the goalies, they are above league average in shots per game, but by the stats I already gave out they aren’t doing a good enough job scoring those chances.
It’s tough to win when you can’t score.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes come into game 1 red hot at home this season they are 20-3-5 at PNC arena this season. Home ice will be a big advantage for Carolina this playoffs, teams just aren’t winning when they come to Carolina. I really like Carolina this season, and they are my pre playoff pick to win the cup this season.
As mentioned above the Hurricanes absolutely have had the Predators number last 10 7-3 and averaging almost 3 goals per game. A big part of Carolina’s success vs Nashville is the Hurricanes power play, in those last 10 games they have a 31% power play.
The Hurricanes are a very good team all round they are near the top in major offensive category’s like Goals, shots, and PP but are also very good at the other end of the ice with the 4 least amount of goals given up and the 3rd best penalty kill in the NHL. They score with the best of them but also defend with the best of them.
I would expect Alex Nedeljkovic to get the call in game one, Carolina has used 3 goalies this year and have not named an official starter for Game 1 so this is just my prediction. He has had a very good season in 23 starts he is 15-5-3 with a below 2.00 GAA and a .932 save percentage with 3 shutouts he has been lights out. He is 2-1 vs Nashville, with amazing numbers.
Goaltending depth can be key in the playoffs, if it’s not Nedeljkovic, there isn’t much of a drop off between the other Hurricane net minders.
NHL Betting Trends
- Predators are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Hurricanes are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
- Hurricanes are 7-2 in their last 9 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Under is 5-1 in Predators last 6 games as an underdog.
- Under is 5-1 in Predators last 6 vs. a team with a winning record
- Under is 4-0 in Hurricanes last 4 playoff games as a favorite.
- Under is 7-1-1 in Hurricanes last 9 vs. a team with a winning record.
Free Nashville Predators vs Carolina Hurricanes NHL Prediction:
As I mentioned above the Hurricanes are my pick to win the cup, they are so good at both ends of the ice, they can score, they can defend, they have great special teams, and are amazing at home, also can’t forget about how they play at home.
Now, at -180 there isn’t a lot of value to me, and while I think the Hurricanes are the much better team playoff hockey is so close so taking the -1.5 is risky, so I have landed on the Hurricanes in regulation time as my free pick good luck!!
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Hurricanes in Regulation -120
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