Time: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Centre Bell, Montreal, QE
Where to watch: RDS, TSN2, BSSO
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Hurricanes -305, Canadiens +255
BetMGM: Hurricanes -305, Canadiens +255
Caesars: Hurricanes -325, Canadiens +255
Season record
Hurricanes: 41-12-8
Canadiens: 26-33-4
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Hurricanes - Canadiens preview, prediction and analysis
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 5, Canadiens 2
Projected lines
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
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