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Bruins vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds, Picks and Predictions

Daniel Coyle

by Daniel Coyle in NHL Hockey

Updated May 1, 2022 · 2:33 PM PDT

Boston Bruins goaltenders Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman celebrating a win
Mar 21, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltenders Linus Ullmark (35) and Jeremy Swayman (1) celebrate the victory over the Montreal Canadiens in overtime at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
  • The Carolina Hurricanes host the Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their first-round NHL playoff series
  • Hurricanes look to the series opener as slim -125 moneyline favorites
  • Read on for the Bruins vs Hurricanes Game 1 odds and trends 

The Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins clash in NHL playoff action for the third time in four years when they hit the ice on Monday for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Game time for Monday night’s contest is set for 7:00 pm ET at PNC Arena.

The Hurricanes look to the series opener pegged as slim -125 moneyline favorites in the Game 1 odds.  Boston lags as a +106 underdog in the NHL betting lines. The total is listed at 5.5, with the UNDER emerging as -116 chalk.

Bruins vs Hurricanes Odds

Game Time (ET) Team Puck Line Total Moneyline
Monday, May 2 Boston Bruins +1.5 (-235) O 5.5 (-114) +106
7:00 pm ET Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (+188) U 5.5 (-106) -125

Odds as of May 1st at Barstool Sportsbook.

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The Hurricanes are listed at +188 in the puckline odds, while the Bruins sport short -235 odds of staying within two goals of Carolina. The Hurricanes’ -125 odds translate to an implied probability of victory of just 55.56%, while Boston’s +106 odds translate to an implied win probability of 48.54%.

These two clubs met three times during the regular season, with the Hurricanes posting three dominating victories. However, they have posted just one total win over their past two playoff series matchups with Boston.

Hurricanes Build Win Streak on Inferior Opponents

Perched among the favorites a +1000 bet in the Stanley Cup odds,  the Hurricanes look to be peaking at just the right time. The club closed out their regular season schedule with a decisive 6-3 victory over New Jersey on Thursday, extending their current win streak to six games.

The club has racked up 4.50 goals per game, and claimed victory by multi-goal margins on four occasions over that stretch. However, it is tough to overlook that five of those wins came against opponents that had already been eliminated from playoff contention. Indeed, the Hurricanes have won just four of 11 against playoff-bound opponents, and have also won just five of 11 home dates overall.

Andersen Injury a Source of Concern

Complicating matters for the Hurricanes is the continued absence of goaltender Frederik Andersen, who has been ruled out of Game 1 with an undisclosed injury that has sidelined him for two weeks. Andersen has enjoyed a resurgence in his first season in Carolina, climbing to a +800 bet in the Vezina Trophy odds while racking up 35 wins and a sparkling .922 save percentage.

In Andersen’s absence, Antti Raanta is expected to get the call between the pipes on Monday night. Raanta has also been dealing with recent injury woes. However, the Finnish veteran has sparked the Canes to victory in each of his past four starts, allowing just nine total goals over that stretch.

Bruins Searching for Consistency on the Road

While the Bruins get set to open their playoff schedule in good health, they have work to do to improve on their recent road performance. Boston has claimed victory in just four of eight contests away from TD Garden, capped by a 5-2 loss in Toronto in Friday’s season finale.

However, the club has still managed to win six of eight overall. The goaltending duo of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman has played a key role in the Bruins’ late-season surge, limiting opponents to two or fewer goals on five occasions. Ullmark has particularly impressed, stopping 86 of 89 shots while earning the win in three straight starts, and is expected to be in goal for Monday’s contest.

Line Combo Shakeup Paying Dividends

With a playoff spot secured, Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy spent the final few games of the regular season tinkering with line combinations. The results have been particularly positive for Jake DeBrusk.

The Bruins whipping boy was the subject of trade rumors while struggling early this season, but has taken full advantage of the opportunity to play alongside David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. DeBrusk rides a four-game point streak into the postseason, but was held pointless while going -5 in three dates versus Carolina this season.

Bruins vs Hurricanes Game 1 Pick

The big question facing the Hurricanes is whether they can carry over regular season success versus Boston into the postseason. With Andersen on the shelf, the Hurricanes must avoid spotting an early lead to the Bruins, who own both a psychological advantage and are enjoying far more steady production from their top scorers.

The Pick: Boston Bruins (+106)


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