Head-to-Head: Carolina Hurricanes vs Vegas Golden Knights
Carolina Hurricanes | Head-to-Head | Vegas Golden Knights |
Rod Brind’Amour | Head Coach | Bruce Cassidy |
39-11-8 (1st in Metropolitan Division) | Standing | 35-19-6 (1st in Pacific Division) |
| Leaders |
|
Sebastian Aho (52) | Points | Chandler Stephenson (50) |
Sebastian Aho (25) | Goals | Jack Eichel (20) |
Brent Burns (32) | Assists | Chandler Stephenson (38) |
Jalen Chatfield (22) | +/- | Shea Theodore (17) |
Andrei Svechnikov (3.24) | Shots (Per Game) | Jack Eichel (3.68) |
Carolina Hurricanes vs Vegas Golden Knights Predictions and Picks
The Carolina Hurricanes will travel to Las Vegas to take on the Golden Knights for the first time this season. The Hurricanes are having a dominant season and are in first place in the Metropolitan Division with 86 points. However, they only have a three-point lead over the second-place New Jersey Devils, so a win would be beneficial. On the other side, the Golden Knights are in first place in the Pacific Division with 76 points. However, they are only four points out of third place, so they must at least get one point tonight.
The Hurricanes maintained most of their roster from last season and have managed to replicate last year’s regular season success. They have a high-powered offense with three 20+ goal-scorers, but their real strength comes on the defensive side. Carolina allows less than 2.6 goals per game and has only given up seven goals in their previous five games. In addition, the Hurricanes have two consistent goaltenders in Antti Raanta and Frederik Andersen. Neither are having excellent seasons, but they are both reliable.
The Hurricanes are led by Martin Necas, Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Brent Burns. These players do not all play the same position but are all skilled. They also each have at least 44 points.
Antti Raanta and Frederik Andersen appear to be splitting duties in the net for the Hurricanes. They have played almost the same amount and have very similar save percentages. As I mentioned above, neither is excellent, but they are consistent and reliable.
The Golden Knights missed the Playoffs last year but have turned it around this season. They are not as well-rounded as the Hurricanes, but they have a solid team. Vegas has an average offense, but their defense often carries the load. The Golden Knights give up 2.77 goals per game. They also usually have decent goaltenders. However, they will run into some problems this game, as starter Logan Thompson and backups Laurent Brossoit and Adin Hill are injured. Vegas has called up Michael Hutchinson to make his season debut in the absence of his three. This is very concerning since Hutchinson has played most of his career in the AHL.
The Golden Knights do not have any stars, but a few productive players in Chandler Stephenson, Jack Eichel, Reilly Smith, and Mark Stone. None of these players have over 50 points, but each has at least 38.
Adin Hill and Matt Hutchinson are the only Golden Knights goaltenders not on the injured reserve. However, Hill is listed as day-to-day, so the Golden Knights will probably be forced to look to Hutchinson. This is problematic, as Hutchinson has not played this year.
The Hurricanes are playing stronger hockey and are much healthier, so they will get the win. They lost their previous game but have otherwise been firing on all cylinders. Bet on Carolina.
Why Might the Carolina Hurricanes Win?
The Hurricanes are the favorites but will improve their chances if they overwhelm the Golden Knights with shots and keep the puck out of Chandler Stephenson’s hands.
The Hurricanes are not shy when it comes to shooting the puck. They average 35.2 shots per game but need to shoot even more this matchup. Carolina will likely be facing Michael Hutchinson in the net for the Golden Knights. Hutchinson has only played seven games in the AHL this season and has a save percentage below .900. The Hurricanes must take advantage of Hutchinson’s inexperience and fire at will.
Chandler Stephenson is not much of a scorer but leads the Golden Knights with 38 assists. The Hurricanes cannot let him get the puck, or else he will set up his teammates with scoring opportunities.
Why Might the Vegas Golden Knights Win?
The Golden Knights are the underdogs but will win if they score first and score a power play goal.
The Golden Knights typically sell out most home games and have a loud fan base. They need to take advantage of their home crowd’s energy and score the first goal. If they do, the momentum will turn their way, and the crowd will get louder and more supportive.
The Golden Knights have a mediocre power play unit and convert on almost 21% of their opportunities. They failed to score a power-play goal in their previous two games but must score one this game. Vegas will need to see offensive production from every unit on the ice.
Hurricanes Key Players: (C) Sebastian Aho
Sebastian Aho is having another impressive season. The 25-year-old has 25 goals and 27 assists in 52 games. Aho has four points in his previous three games and must secure a couple more points in this matchup.
Golden Knights Key Player: (D) Alex Pietrangelo
Alex Pietrangelo is the best defenseman Vegas has to offer. He is on Vegas’ first line and plays over 24 minutes a game. Pietrangelo must take charge of the Vegas defense and limit the Hurricanes’ shots. If he does, the Golden Knights will have a chance.
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