Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 2 Prediction, Playoff Odds
Carolina struck first in this best-of-seven series with a 5-2 win in Game 1 on Monday. Jordan Staal’s two-goal game led the way, while rookie Alex Nedelijkovic made 22 saves to become the first Hurricanes goalie to win their playoff debut.
Everything points to the ‘Canes again for Game 2 on Wednesday, as they come in as -204 favourites to win on the NHL odds with a total of 5.5.
Predators vs. Hurricanes Stanley Cup Odds
It’s not looking good for Nashville as they have now dropped five straight games in Carolina. They’re now 3-14 straight up in their last 17 games against the Hurricanes, including 2-6 SU in this year’s regular season. The Over has hit in four of the Predators’ last five road games.
Carolina improved their recent home record to 7-1 SU over their last eight games in Raleigh. This is helping them get a lot of love from bettors, as 87 per cent of Sports Interaction bettors are siding with the ‘Canes. The Over is getting 53 per cent of the action, but it’s worth noting the total has gone Under in four of the last five games between these teams.
Nashville Predators
It wasn’t all bad for Nashville in Game 1, as they were actually tied 2-2 heading into the third period. Filip Forsberg and Erik Haula had the markers for the Preds. It was Forsberg’s 27th career NHL playoff goal and 50th point, both franchise records. Juuse Saros made 33 saves in just his fifth career playoff start. Before Monday’s loss, Saros was 1-5-1 in his career against Carolina, posting a 2.65 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.
Nashville struggled to generate offence throughout the game, getting outshot 38-24 and failing to convert on three power plays. The concerning thing if you’re Nashville right now, is NHL playoff history in general. Teams that win Game 1 in a best-of-7 NHL series go on to win the series 68.8 per cent of the time (490-222). Game 1 winners were 7-1 in last year’s playoffs.
Carolina Hurricanes
Outside of Staal’s goals on Monday, Nino Niederreiter, Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen also all found the back of the net. The Hurricanes have now beat Nashville by more than one goal in 11 of the last 17 games between these two teams, including the last four in Carolina. Game 1 was physical from both teams, as they combined for exactly 100 hits, with Carolina having a 53-47 edge.
Nedelijkovic made some history in the win. Not only was he the first Hurricanes goalie to win their playoff debut, he’s also the first Hurricanes rookie goalie to win a playoff game since Cam Ward in 2006. Carolina won their only Stanley Cup in franchise history that year, while Ward won the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP. Before Monday, Nedelijkovic was 2-1-0 in his career against Nashville with a 1.64 GAA and .938 SV.
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