Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes Betting Picks & Predictions

Game outlook

In a highly anticipated Metro division matchup, the Carolina Hurricanes will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PNC Arena on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. EST. Carolina currently holds the top spot in the division, boasting an impressive seven-game winning streak and a record of 9-1 in their last ten games. With a strong home record of 4-1, the Hurricanes are looking to continue their dominance. On the other hand, the Penguins are struggling in 7th place in the division with 12 points in 14 games. Despite their history of late-season surges, Pittsburgh has a record of 3-5-2 and their playoff chances remain uncertain. Carolina is a heavy favorite with a money line of -260 and the total set at 6.5 goals. The opening line saw Carolina as a -250 favorite, but has since shifted to Carolina -255.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Penguins +215 | Hurricanes -255

Spread: Penguins +1.5 (-115) | Hurricanes -1.5 (-105)

Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Carolina will win straight-up is 72%.

Pittsburgh Penguins

In their last game, the Pittsburgh Penguins fell short of a win against the Islanders, losing 4-3 in a shootout. Evgeni Malkin, Michael Bunting, and Sidney Crosby scored, with Rickard Rakell assisting on two goals. Despite solid offensive stats, including ranking 18th in goals per game and 7th in shots per game, the Penguins are struggling defensively. They are allowing an average of 33.2 shots against them per game, ranking them 30th in the league in that category. Pittsburgh's penalty kill percentage is solid, ranking them 7th, but their goals against per game average of 3.71 is 29th in the league. Erik Karlsson leads the defense with eight points, while Kris Letang has the most goals among defensemen. Alex Nedeljkovic has a 2.76 GAA and a 90% save percentage, splitting starts with Joel Blomqvist. Rust and Nieto are listed on the injury report for the upcoming contest.