The Carolina Hurricanes enter their next matchup with momentum following a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. In that game, the Hurricanes were disciplined, taking just two penalty minutes, and converted on one of three power-play opportunities. Offensively, they capitalized on 4 of their 24 shots, demonstrating efficiency in their win.
Defensively, Carolina has faced 60 power-play opportunities (11th in the NHL) this season, conceding only nine goals during those chances. Opponents have taken 431 shots against the Hurricanes, with their goaltenders combining for a .905 save percentage. Offensively, Carolina has fired 579 shots, converting 11.7% into goals. At even strength, the Hurricanes have allowed 32 goals while scoring 54. On the power play, they’ve been productive, converting 14 of their 59 opportunities (23.73%). Their season totals include 68 goals scored (5th in the NHL) and 41 goals allowed, earning them 26 points and a .765 points percentage.
Goaltending Outlook for Carolina
Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start in net for the Hurricanes. In his NHL career, Kochetkov has posted 44 quality starts, equating to a .579 quality start percentage. He boasts a .909 save percentage across 3,951 minutes of ice time, facing 1,991 shots and making 1,810 saves. Kochetkov’s career goals-against average (GAA) is 2.75, and he holds a 47-22-9 record, having started 76 of his 80 career games.
New Jersey Devils Recap and Season Performance
The Devils are coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite earning four power-play opportunities in that game, New Jersey failed to capitalize, going scoreless on 29 shots.
This season, the Devils have tallied 72 goals and hold a .619 points percentage with 26 points. Defensively, they’ve conceded 56 goals, including 47 at even strength and nine while shorthanded. Offensively, New Jersey has excelled on the power play, scoring 18 goals (3rd in the NHL) on 63 opportunities for a 28.57% conversion rate. With 631 shots taken (3rd in the NHL), the Devils maintain a shooting percentage of 11.41%. Their penalty kill has been strong, shutting down 84.48% of opposing power plays, and their team save percentage is .903.
Goaltending Outlook for New Jersey
Jacob Markstrom is projected to start for the Devils. Over his career, Markstrom has recorded 12,977 saves on 14,278 shots, resulting in a .909 save percentage. With a career record of 223-201-58 in 499 games, he’s started 482 of them and logged 27,889 minutes. His quality start percentage sits at 52.7%, with 254 quality starts. Markstrom has allowed an average of 2.80 goals per game, surrendering 1,301 total goals in his career.
Prediction
This matchup pits two offensively potent teams with strong goaltending against each other. The Hurricanes’ depth and solid defensive play may give them an edge, but the Devils’ power play is a key factor to watch. Bettors should consider the Hurricanes for a slight advantage based on recent form and defensive consistency.
Who do you think will cover the spread or win outright in tonight’s NHL showdown?
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