The Carolina Hurricanes (1-1-0) travel to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0) on Friday, October 18th. This game will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh and televised on NHLN. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.
Hurricanes vs Penguins
The Carolina Hurricanes Are Coming Off A Win
Carolina evened their record at 1-1-0 with a 4-2 win over the Devils. The Hurricanes covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals resulted in a push.
After falling behind 1-0 early in the second period, the Hurricanes responded with four different players finding the net. Sebastian Aho sealed the game with an empty-netter at 18:24 in the third period.
The Pittsburgh Penguins Are Coming Off A Win
The Penguins improved to 3-2-0 with a 6-5 overtime win against the Sabres. Pittsburgh was favored on the puck line, but failed to cover, and the total of 11 goals easily surpassed the 6.5-goal line.
Pittsburgh fell behind early, trailing 3-1 after the first period. Six different Penguins found the net, with Sidney Crosby scoring the game-winner 1:38 into overtime.
Carolina Offense Breakdown
Carolina’s offense fired 31 shots on goal and netted 4 in their 4-2 win over the Devils. Sebastian Aho scored his first goal of the season on an empty net, while Jackson Blake also found the net for the first time this year. Seth Jarvis, with his second goal of the season, got the Hurricanes on the board at 9:05 in the second period.
Shayne Gostisbehere added his first goal of the year, as the Hurricanes finished with 23 giveaways. Carolina was held scoreless in the first period before scoring twice in the second and twice more in the third.
Penguins Offense Breakdown
In their latest game, Pittsburgh fired 43 shots on goal and scored 6 times, with Sidney Crosby netting his first goal of the season in overtime. Evgeni Malkin, who now has 2 goals this season, added another in the third period. Bryan Rust scored his second goal, while Drew O’Connor also found the net for the second time, and Jesse Puljujärvi got on the board with his first goal of the year.
Evgeni Malkin picked up his 10th assist on Crosby’s game-winning goal and now has 9 assists on the season. Sidney Crosby added two assists, bringing his total to 6 this year. Rickard Rakell, who scored with just 46 seconds left in the third period to tie the game, now has 3 goals this season.
Carolina Team Defense
On defense, the Hurricanes gave up the first goal just 1:16 into the 2nd period and another late in the 3rd, but they held on for a 4-2 win. Pyotr Kochetkov made 24 saves with a 92.3% save percentage, while the defense added 9 takeaways and 19 hits.
Pittsburgh Team Defense
Defensively, the Penguins had a tough start, allowing the first three goals of the game. They also gave up two more in the 3rd period, but they held the Sabres scoreless in overtime, securing a 6-5 win. Goalie Joel Blomqvist made 26 saves with a 92.9% save percentage, while the defense contributed 11 takeaways and 16 hits.
Hurricanes vs Penguins Trends
- Through their last five road games, Carolina has an puck line record of just 1-4. However, their overall record was 2-3 while averaging 3 goals per game.
- In their last five games at home, the Penguins have a straight up record of 3-2 while going 1-4 vs the spread. The team averaged 4 goals per game in this stretch.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Penguins have gone 7-3 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 5-5.
- Spanning across their last three games as the betting favorite, the Hurricanes have gone 1-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-2.
Hurricanes vs Penguins Prediction
For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Hurricanes to secure a victory over the Penguins on the road. With the moneyline currently set at -147, I’m locking in my bet on the Hurricanes straight-up.
For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Penguins to cover. Even if the Hurricanes secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Penguins should cover the puck line.
For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:October 18, 2024 Hurricanes, Penguins