Canadiens vs Hurricanes Game 1 Prediction, Betting Odds & Start Time (Thursday, May. 21)

• The Eastern Conference Final gets underway Thursday between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes
• Carolina has swept their way through the first rounds while Montreal has needed seven games both times
• See my Canadiens vs Hurricanes preview, predictions, player props and public betting splits

The Eastern Conference Final is set to begin Thursday evening, between two teams who couldn’t have taken different paths. The road squad from Montreal has needed 7 games to dispatch the Lightning and Sabres, while Carolina has swept both Ottawa and Philadelphia. Unsurprisingly, the Canes are the favorites in the NHL odds as each team looks to draw first blood. However, this round has been their bugaboo since claiming the 2006 Stanley Cup, losing on four occasions, with an abysmal 1-16 record in East Final games.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT Thursday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Stanley Cup odds show that Carolina are the +165 faves, with the Habs the longest shot at +650. The Canes haven’t played for eleven days, leading to the classic rest-vs -rust debate.

Keep reading for my pick and predictions for tonight’s duel.

Canadiens vs Hurricanes Predictions & Best Bets

• Best Bet: Under 5.5 Total Goals (+100 at bet365)
• Player Prop Pick: Logan Stankoven Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-130 at BetMGM)

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The stinginess of Carolina’s defense is impossible to ignore. They have suffocated opponents throughout the postseason to the tune of a microscopic 1.25 goals-against average. Goaltender Frederik Andersen hasn’t surrendered more than two goals in any of his eight starts, posting a sparkling .950 save %. With the Hurricanes controlling the pace and limiting high-danger chances at 5-on-5, betting the game total offers the most compelling angle.

Habs rookie netminder Jakub Dobes has been very solid as well, save for Game 6 vs the Sabres. He’s allowed three or fewer markers in twelve of 14 starts this postseason. With both teams feeling each other out, I like under 5.5 total goals to hit. Keep in mind, since 2000, teams who went 7 games in the previous series are 7-1 vs adversaries that swept the previous round.

The statistical trends heavily support a low-scoring battle, particularly on Carolina’s home ice. The Under has hit in nine of the Hurricanes’ last ten games overall.

Player Prop Pick: Logan Stankoven Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-128)

While Carolina relies on a balanced attack, Logan Stankoven has been a consistent high-volume shooter in Raleigh. Stankoven has exceeded 2.5 shots on goal in four straight home games, piling up 20 shots in that span. He’s notched at least three shots in six of eight playoff affairs, as he attempts to go over again in the NHL player props.

Canadiens vs Hurricanes Public Betting Splits

• Moneyline: In the NHL public betting trends, Carolina is drawing 76% of bets, but 53% of the cash is on the underdog Canadiens.
• Puck Line: Bettors are targeting a near split (51% Canes) on the puck line, but 67% of money is on the Habs to keep it within a goal.
• Total: The Under is controlling the handle, with a whopping 94% of wagers, which dovetails with my prediction.

Canadiens vs Hurricanes Odds & Betting Lines

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Odds as of Thursday, May 21st. Claim a theScore Bet promo code to bet on Canadiens vs Hurricanes.

Canadiens vs Hurricanes Team Stats Comparison

Canadiens vs Hurricanes Goalie Matchup

Andersen has been nothing short of a brick wall during these playoffs. Entering this series with a perfect 8-0 record, he has suffocated opposing offenses, posting a 1.12 GAA and .950 save percentage.

For Montreal, Dobes has stood tall through 14 grueling postseason contests. While his 2.52 GAA and .910 save percentage may not look as spectacular, they are highly respectable given the sheer volume of rubber he has faced (most shots, 399).

Canadiens vs Hurricanes Projected Lineups & Defensive Pairings

Carolina Hurricanes Projected Lineup

Goaltenders: Frederik Andersen (Starter), Brandon Bussi (Backup)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Goaltenders: Jakub Dobes (Starter), Jacob Fowler (Backup)

Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes Game Info

• Away Team: Montreal Canadiens
• Home Team: Carolina Hurricanes
• TV: TNT, truTV, HBO Max (United States), Sportsnet (Canada)
• Date: Thursday, May 21
• Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
• Venue: Lenovo Center
• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina