Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 Prediction, Picks, Odds & Start Time

• The Hurricanes are -148 favorites over the Senators in Game 1, in a matchup with a 5.5 goal total
• Ottawa finished 8th in goals for, and 9th in high danger scoring chances during the regular season
• Keep reading for my Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 prediction, picks, odds and start time

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, and with the Florida Panthers failing to qualify in the East, that side of the NHL Playoff Bracket is wide open. The Carolina Hurricanes are the deserving favorites to emerge from that side of the draw, but I believe they’ll have their hands full in Round 1 versus the Senators.

Game 1 is scheduled for this afternoon, with Carolina pegged as -148 home favorites in the NHL odds. The game total sits at 5.5, with the Ottawa team total set at 2.5. I believe there’s value in the ladder market, and that will be the focus of my Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 prediction.

Keep reading to find out the reasons why, plus see my other picks, as well as the latest odds and the start time for this Eastern Conference 1st Round showdown.

Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 Prediction

• Over 2.5 Goals (-130 at FanDuel)

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I’m betting over 2.5 goals today for the Sens. Ottawa is best known for their suffocating defense, but what gets lost is the fact that this is a pretty good offensive hockey club. The Senators finished the regular season ranked 8th in goals for, creating the 9th most high danger scoring chances. Ottawa boasts three 28+ goal scorers on the roster, led by Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson, and that number would have been even higher if Brady Tkachuk (60 games) and Shane Pinto (72 games) had been able to stay healthy.

Their powerplay unit clicked at the league’s 8th most efficient rate, and the Sens will need to put up offense to keep pace with the Hurricanes second ranked scoring attack.

As for the matchup, Carolina may be a top Stanley Cup odds contender, but they have a big question mark in goal. Neither Brandon Bussi or Frederik Andersen finished with a save percentage above .895, while both were involved in their fair share of high scoring games down the stretch. 6 or more goals were scored in six of Bussi’s last eight starts, and in nine of Andersen’s past 11 appearances.

Also working in the Sens favor, is the speed at which the Canes play. Carolina operates at the fastest pace in the league, and that can lead to plenty of odd man rushes the other way, when defensemen get caught up ice or turn the puck over in the neutral zone.

Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 Pick

• Tim Stutzle 3+ Shots on Goal (+182 at Bet365)

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Shifting gears to the NHL props market, where 3+ shots on goal for Stutzle is my favorite bet. The 24-year-old fired 10 pucks on net in three games versus the Canes this season, and will be counted on to pace the Ottawa attack. He led the team in goals and ice time among forwards, and is the catalyst for the Sens powerply. Only Dylan Cozens and Tkahchuk had more shots on net for Ottawa this season, while only Batherson posted a higher shooting percentage.

Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds

Odds as of April 18. Claim the FanDuel promo code to bet on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

If you want to tail my picks this afternoon, you’ll need access to multiple betting sites. FanDuel has the shortest odds on over 2.5 goals for the Sens, as well as the lowest juice on the game’s 5.5 goal total at -140. Bet365 is offering the most favorable odds on the Stutzle shots on goal prop, as well as on Carolina to cover the 1.5 puck line spread.

When it comes to the NHL public betting splits, the Hurricanes moneyline and over 5.5 goals are dominating the action. Carolina to win is accounting for 85% of the moneyline tickets and 88% of the handle, while over 5.5 goals is responsible for 55% of the bets and 58% of the money.

Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 Start Time

Puck drop for the Sens vs Canes Game 1 showdown is set for just after 3 pm ET, from the Lenovo Center, in Raleigh, NC. ESPN will provide the broadcast across America, while Sportsnet will handle Canadian TV duties.