The Carolina Hurricanes (33-11-4) travel to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins (31-12-8) Sunday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Below, we look at the Hurricanes vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Hurricanes were tripped up 3-2 in overtime by the Florida Panthers Thursday in a game with a playoff-like atmosphere. G Frederik Andersen and the ‘Canes rebounded and topped the Nashville Predators 5-3 Friday.
The Penguins are licking their wounds after a 4-1 beatdown at the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday. That loss snapped a four-game win streak which saw the Pens outscore the opposition 15-8.
Hurricanes at Penguins odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Hurricanes +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Penguins -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes +1.5 (-230) | Penguins -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
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Hurricanes at Penguins projected goalies
Frederik Andersen (26-7-2, 2.10 GAA, .927 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (25-9-6, 2.25 GAA, .923 SV%, 3 SO)
Andersen had lost three of his first four starts coming out of the All-Star break, but he was able to post 28 saves in a 5-3 win against Nashville Thursday to get back on track.
Jarry allowed 4 goals on 29 shots in a 4-1 loss at Toronto Thursday, his first loss in three starts after the All-Star break. He is 2-1-1 with a 2.96 GAA and .912 SV% across four February starts.
Hurricanes at Penguins odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Penguins 3, Hurricanes 2
The PENGUINS (-130) will protect home ice in this matinee game, but it won’t be easy against one of the NHL’s best teams. Pittsburgh has won 13 of the last 19 meetings at home against Carolina, while going 11-5 in the previous 16 in this series. Until the ‘Canes start to turn the tables, keep backing the Pens.
Against the spread
The Hurricanes +1.5 (-230) are just too expensive, costing you over two and a half times your return for a little insurance. Just play the Hurricanes straight up if you like them. However, I prefer the Pens in a close one.
AVOID.
Over/Under
UNDER 5.5 (+110) is the best value on the board, as matinee games typically start a bit slow.
In addition, the Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings between these two squads, including 6-1 in the past seven matchups in the Steel City.
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