The Carolina Hurricanes (50-18-9) visit the Nashville Predators (39-30-8) Thursday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Hurricanes roll in on a 3-game win streak, including a 3-2 OT victory at home against the Ottawa Senators Tuesday — which had to be a little scary for anyone backing a heavily-favored Carolina squad at -253.
Carolina sits atop the Metropolitan Division with 109 points but are just 3 points ahead of the 2nd-place New Jersey Devils. However, Carolina has played 1 less game than New Jersey.
The Predators, who are 3 points out of a Wild Card spot, look for the regular-season sweep of the Hurricanes. They posted a 5-3 win at PNC Arena in Raleigh as +199 underdogs back on Jan. 5 thanks to a 2-goal, 3rd period.
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Hurricanes at Predators odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Predators +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+140) | Predators +1.5 (-165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Hurricanes at Predators projected goalies
Frederik Andersen (20-9-1, 2.42 GAA, .904 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Juuse Saros (30-22-7, 2.76 GAA, .916 SV%, 1 SO)
Andersen allowed just 1 goal on 22 shots in his last start, a 2-1 home win as -153 favorites against the New York Islanders. The victory snapped a 3-game winless run for Andersen. He was not in the crease for the 1st meeting this season vs. Nashville.
Saros was on the wrong end of a 5-1 setback in Dallas in his last start, allowing 5 goals on 26 shots. He has alternated losses and wins across his past 6 starts dating back to March 23. Saros made a ridiculous 64 saves on 67 shots in the 5-3 win at Carolina Jan. 5.
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Hurricanes at Predators picks and predictions
Prediction
Hurricanes 4, Predators 2
Moneyline
The HURRICANES (-185) are a little on the expensive side, but a good play as Carolina looks to grab 2 more points to move closer to a Metropolitan Division title.
The Predators (+150) have been unable to stack wins, which is why they will fail to make the postseason field. The Preds are just 1-4 in the past 5 games following a win.
Puck line/Against the spread
The HURRICANES -1.5 (+140) are worth a light play on the puck line. It’s a risky play as Carolina has won the past 2 games by just 1 goal each. However, as a road favorite, Carolina has covered the puck line at a 5-4 clip in the past 9 tries.
The Predators won’t make it easy. They’re 8-4 in the past 12 on the puck line as underdogs. Look for the Preds to falter as the home side is 7-19 in the past 26 tries against the ‘Canes.
Figure out how much overall you want to wager on the Carolina — I suggest no more than 1½ units — and divvy it up between the moneyline and the puck line plays with at least 1 full unit on the ML.
Over/Under
OVER 5.5 (-120) is the lean, but go lightly.
The Over is 5-2 in the past 7 head-to-head meetings, including the Predators’ 5-3 victory in January.
The Over is also 3-1-1 in the past 5 games playing on a day of rest for the Predators, too. It won’t be a track meet, but it won’t be a defensive slog, either.
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