The Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes resume their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinals series with Game 3 Saturday at noon ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Bruins-Hurricanes NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Bruins vs. Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies
Jaroslav Halak vs. Petr Mrazek/James Reimer
Halak will get the Game 3 start after starter Tuukka Rask opted out of the remainder of the postseason due to COVID-19 concerns. Halak posted a .919 save percentage and 2.39 goals against average in the regular season.
Reimer stepped into the crease for Game 2, as coach Rod Brind’Amour rolled the dice due to a back-to-back situation. Optimus Reim didn’t let RBA down, stopping 33 of the 35 shots to earn his second victory in two starts since the restart. Petr Mrazek lost in double-overtime in Game 1, so it will be interesting to see who starts Game 3. To be fair to Mrazek, Reimer didn’t have to face MVP candidate David Pastrnak, who was deemed unfit to play for Boston. He is considered a game-time decision for Saturday’s game.
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Bruins vs. Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Bruins 3, Hurricanes 2
Moneyline (ML)
The BRUINS (-129) are slightly favored over the Hurricanes (+110), and the line might be down slightly due to Pastrnak’s uncertain status. He hobbled off the ice in Game 1 and did not play in Game 2, so it’s a legitimate concern. However, the B’s are still the better team in this series, and this price is a great value. Take advantage.
New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Bruins returns a net profit of $7.80, while the Hurricanes fetch a profit of $11 if they win.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Bruins (-1.5, +220) are a very, very tempting play at this price point. However, both games have been one-goal contests, so you cannot bet the favorite on the puck line, especially with Pasta uncertain. On the flip side, the Hurricanes (+1.5, -279) are just too expensive, as you cannot risk three times your potential return just for a little insurance.
Over/Under (O/U)
The O/U is 5.5 (Over +115, Under -139). The Under hung on by a string in Game 2. There was a total of four goals on the board, two per side, and the Over appeared to be on track, but the final was Hurricanes 3, Bruins 2. We’ll see a similar type game Saturday afternoon. An early-afternoon start, coupled with the fact these sides are playing three grueling battles in four days, should mean a lower scoring Game 3. Bet UNDER 5.5 (-139).
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