Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 3/7/2023

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Venue: Centre Bell, Montreal, QE

Where to watch: RDS, TSN2, BSSO

DraftKings: Hurricanes -305, Canadiens +255

BetMGM: Hurricanes -305, Canadiens +255

Caesars: Hurricanes -325, Canadiens +255

Hurricanes: 41-12-8

Canadiens: 26-33-4

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On March 7, 2023, the Carolina Hurricanes will travel to the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec to take on the Montreal Canadiens in a highly anticipated NHL matchup. Both teams are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot, making this game crucial for their postseason aspirations.

 

The Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the best teams in the NHL this season, boasting a record of 41-12-8. They sit atop the Metropolitan Division and have been propelled by the strong play of their top line, consisting of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teravainen. Aho leads the team in points, while Svechnikov and Teravainen have contributed with their scoring ability and playmaking skills.

 

In net, the Hurricanes have two reliable options in Frederik Andersen and Alex Nedeljkovic. Andersen has been a veteran presence and a solid performer in his first season with the team, while Nedeljkovic has been impressive in his limited starts, posting a .929 save percentage.

 

The Montreal Canadiens, on the other hand, have had a tumultuous season. They started the year strong but have fallen out of playoff contention in recent weeks, with a record of 26-33-4. The team has been hit hard by injuries, with key players like Carey Price, Brendan Gallagher, and Jonathan Drouin missing extended time.

 

However, the Canadiens still have some dangerous weapons, including Tyler Toffoli, who leads the team in goals, and Nick Suzuki.

 

In net, the Canadiens have relied on Jake Allen, who has been a capable backup to Price. Allen has posted a .909 save percentage this season, and will need to be at his best if the Canadiens hope to keep up with the high-powered Hurricanes offense.

 

Special teams will be a crucial factor in this game, as both teams have been effective on the power play. The Hurricanes' power play is ranked fourth in the league, while the Canadiens' power play is ranked seventh. The penalty kill will also be important, as the Hurricanes have been successful at killing off penalties, while the Canadiens have struggled on the penalty kill.

 

Overall, this game promises to be a closely contested matchup between two teams fighting for a playoff spot. The Hurricanes will be the favorites, but the Canadiens have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league when they are healthy. Fans can expect an intense and exciting game of hockey as both teams battle for a crucial two points.

Hurricanes:

Andrei Svechnikov -- Sebastian Aho -- Seth Jarvis

Teuvo Teravainen -- Jesperi Kotkaniemi -- Martin Necas

Jordan Martinook -- Jordan Staal -- Jesper Fast

Stefan Noesen -- Paul Stastny -- Derek Stepan

Jaccob Slavin -- Brent Burns

Brady Skjei -- Brett Pesce

Shayne Gostisbehere -- Jalen Chatfield

Frederik Andersen

Canadiens:

Mike Hoffman -- Nick Suzuki -- Denis Gurianov

Rafael Harvey-Pinard -- Jonathan Drouin -- Josh Anderson

Rem Pitlick -- Christian Dvorak -- Jesse Ylonen

Michael Pezzetta -- Chris Tierney -- Alex Belzile

Mike Matheson -- David Savard

Kaiden Guhle -- Joel Edmundson

Jordan Harris -- Johnathan Kovacevic

Jake Allen