Offense meets defense at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday as the high-volume shooting Carolina Hurricanes (50-18-9) head to take on the stifling goaltending of the Nashville Predators (39-30-8). Carolina is coming off a 3-2 overtime win over the Senators on Tuesday, their third win in a row.
The Hurricanes committed four penalties in the game, conceding one power play goal. Brady Skjei, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Martin Necas scored one apiece for the Hurricanes. Antti Raanta saved an impressive 26 of 28 shots (.928%) in the win.
Nashville beat the Golden Knights 3-2 (OT) on Tuesday. Tommy Novak scored twice to lead the Predators. Kevin Lankinen was impressive in the win, making 30 saves (.937%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Predators won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 5-3 victory in January. Juuso Parssinen led Nashville with two points (0G 2A). Brett Pesce led Carolina with two points (0G 2A). Juuse Saros got the win, saving 64 of 67 shots (.955%).
FACING OFF
Carolina is averaging 3.21 goals per game for the season, 16th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Predators team that is allowing 2.92 goals a game (12th).
Meanwhile, Nashville has found the net 2.74 times a game on average, 27th in the league, and the Hurricanes are holding opponents to 2.53 goals per game (2nd).
Carolina averages more shots (35.0) than most teams in the league, ranking third, though the team’s 9.3% shooting percentage is 26th. Nashville has proven to be one of the league’s better shot-stopping teams, ranking No. 5 with a team save percentage of .916%.
The Hurricanes’ 20.50% power play percentage ranks 18th in the league, while the Predators are 27th with a conversion rate of 18.07%. Carolina has been equally successful at penalty killing, boasting the league’s second-highest PK% at 83.82%. Nashville ranks 11th at 81.61%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Necas and Sebastian Aho have been the top skaters for the Hurricanes this season with 69 and 64 points. In the net, Frederik Andersen (20-9-1) is Carolina’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.42 GAA and a .904% save percentage.
Roman Josi and Matt Duchene lead the Predators in scoring with 59 and 56 points, respectively. Josi has 18 goals and 41 assists, while Duchene has 22 goals and 34 assists in 71 games. Saros (30-22-7) is the top goalie for Nashville with a goals against average of 2.76. He has a save percentage of .916%.
HOME AND AWAY
Carolina is 23-8-6 away from PNC Arena this season. Nashville is 20-14-4 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Carolina Hurricanes (-200)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
