Head-to-Head: Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins
Carolina Hurricanes | Head-to-Head | Boston Bruins |
Rod Brind’Amour | Head Coach | Jim Montogomery |
10-6-4 (3rd in Metropolitan Division) | Standing | 17-3-0 (1st in Atlantic Division) |
| Leaders |
|
Martin Necas (23) | Points | David Pastrnak (30) |
Andrei Svechnikov (13) | Goals | David Pastrnak (13) |
Martin Necas (14) | Assists | David Pastrnak (17) |
Brady Skjei (7) | +/- | Hampus Lindholm (19) |
Brent Burns (3.80) | Shots (Per Game) | David Pastrnak (5.10) |
Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins Predictions and Picks
The Carolina Hurricanes will travel north to face the Boston Bruins. The Hurricanes are not playing as well as last year but are still performing well. Carolina is sitting in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Conversely, the Bruins are the best team in the league and have won seven of their last eight games.
The Hurricanes have a roster full of talented players but have not been scoring much lately. Carolina is also on a four-game losing streak and averaging 1.5 goals per game in this span.
The Hurricanes’ offense is sputtering, but they have some stars in Martin Necas, Sebastian Aho, and Andrei Svechnikov. Martin Necas only had 40 points in 78 games last season but has 23 points in 20 games this season. Necas has turned a corner this year and is performing at a very high level. Sebastian Aho was a top-ten player last season and has continued to be one this year. Aho has 22 points and three assists in the last two games. Andrei Svechnikov has 20 points and leads the Hurricanes with 13 points. Svechnikov is only 22 years old but is already one of the best wingers in the league.
Frederik Andersen is the #1 goaltender in Carolina but has been on the injured reserve since November 6. Antti Raanta has taken over the #1 spot in Andersen’s absence, and Pyotr Kochetkov has taken over the #2. Raanta and Kochetkov are not the top goaltending duo but hold their own. Raanta is 3-2-2 with a .902 save percentage, and Kochetkov is 2-1-2 with a .908 save percentage.
The Bruins are firing on all cylinders. They have the best offense and defense in the league and have won seven of their last eight games.
The Bruins have plenty of excellent players, but a few lead the charge. While many Bruins know to handle their business, David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, Hampus Lindholm, Jake DeBrusk, and Brad Marchand stand out. David Pastrnak leads the Bruins in points (30), goals (30), and assists (17). Pastrnak is on an eight-game point streak and is one of the best players in the league. Patrice Bergeron is not as good as Pastrnak but still has nine goals and nine assists. Bergeron often plays alongside Hampus Lindholm. Lindholm has 14 assists and leads the Bruins in +/- (19) and TOI (24:10). Finally, we come to the left-wingers Jake DeBrusk and Brad Marchand. DeBrusk and Marchand each have 16 points and Marchand scores on over 16% of his shots.
Linus Ullmark is the clear #1 goaltender on the Bruins. Ullmark is not only the top goaltender in Boston but the top goaltender in the NHL. Ullmark has a 13-1-0 record and leads the league in goals allowed per game (1.96) and save percentage (.935). Ullmark is a star and a massive reason for the Bruins’ early success.
The Bruins are playing at home and playing significantly better hockey than the Hurricanes. They should have no problem winning this game and continuing Carolina’s losing streak.
Why Might the Carolina Hurricanes Win?
The Hurricanes will have their hands full with the Bruins but can overtake them if they take the right shots and score first.
The Hurricanes have barely been scoring lately but have had no problem shooting. On the season, Carolina is averaging 2.7 goals on 35.3 shots per game. Usually, I would say that they need to shoot more, but this case is different. The Hurricanes need to take better shots to increase their scoring opportunities.
The Hurricanes need to push momentum their way by scoring first. That may be the only way they will win this tough matchup.
Why Might the Boston Bruins Win?
The Bruins will likely win but can increase their chances by drawing penalties and slowing down Andri Svechnikov.
The Bruins have one of the best power play units in the league and convert over 30% of their opportunities. Their power play unit has proven to be dominant, and over 28% of their goals have come with a man advantage. Boston needs to draw at least three penalties in this game.
Andrei Svechnikov is the premier goal-scorer on the Hurricanes. The Bruins’ defensemen need to prioritize him and be aware of him whenever he is on the ice.
Hurricanes Key Players: (D) Brady Skjei
Brady Skjei is quietly having a solid season. The defenseman only has seven points but plays almost 21 minutes a game and leads the Hurricanes in +/- at seven.
Skjei needs to continue embracing his role and making all the right moves. If he does, he will improve the Hurricanes' chances.
Bruins Key Player: (G) Linus Ullmark
Linus Ullmark will likely be in the net for the Bruins today. As I mentioned above, he is the best goalie in the league right now.
Ullmark needs to continue to be a brick wall in the net today.
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