The Anaheim Ducks (18-24-5) visit the Carolina Hurricanes (27-18-2) Friday at PNC Arena. Puck drop is set for shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Ducks-Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Ducks at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies
Ryan Miller vs. James Reimer
Miller took the loss in each of his last four starts while allowing at least three goals each time out. He is 4-5-2 for the season with a .899 save percentage and 3.20 goals against average.
Reimer is coming off a 41-save shutout against the Los Angeles Kings last Saturday and enters his 18th start of the season on plenty of rest. He is 10-6-0 for the season with a .917 SV% and 2.60 GAA.
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Ducks at Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Hurricanes 3, Ducks 1
Moneyline (ML)
The Canes (-250) are 15-8 at home for the season, but just 5-5 across their last 10 games overall, while dropping back-to-back games to the Washington Capitals (2-0) and Columbus Blue Jackets (3-2) Monday and Thursday, respectively. The Ducks (+200), who are 15th in the Western Conference, are just 7-15-2 away from The Pond this season and only 3-6-1 across their last 10 games. They topped the Nashville Predators 4-2 Thursday to snap a four-game losing skid.
If you want a safe play for Friday, the Hurricanes are it. With a $10 bet returning a profit of just $4, this isn’t a true recommendation and bettors should PASS in favor of the puck line.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Roll with the HURRICANES (-1.5, +115) to add to Miller’s woes, win by at least 2 goals and cover the spread. The former Vezina Trophy winner drastically lowers his team’s chances of competing relative to starter John Gibson. The Ducks’ previous three losses before Thursday’s win had each been by at least a 2-goal margin. Four of the Canes’ last five wins were all by at least a 2-goal margin.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the UNDER 5.5 (+105) with both teams on the second half of a back-to-back and Reimer coming off one of his best games of the season. The Hurricanes are just 4-6 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games, and while Miller will help boost their stagnant offense, we’ll opt for the plus-money of the lower combined goal total.
Esten’s NHL betting record: 172-157
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