Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Every day, the Last Word on Hockey team digs into upcoming games to provide analysis on the matchups and take a look at what elements can change the game. Today, we take a look at the Ottawa Senators visiting the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to check in with more NHL Predictions as the season moves on.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHLN; RDS; TSN5; FDSNSO
The Ottawa Senators take on the Carolina Hurricanes in North Carolina for the only game of the night in the NHL after a busy Thursday. Ottawa is looking to make the push back into the playoff picture, sitting a few points back of the final wild card spot. Meanwhile, Carolina is looking to keep their eyes set on the top of the Metropolitan Division. In the first matchup between these two, Spencer Martin led the Hurricanes to a 4-0 victory. But it’s a new night.
The Senators Story
The Senators come to Raleigh following a big 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday night. Drake Batherson led the way with a hat trick while Linus Ullmark stood tall between the pipes. To start with Ullmark, he has been showing of late why the Senators acquired him. For the season, he has a .903 save percentage with a 2.70 goals against average. But in his last five starts, Ullmark has an impressive .953 save percentage with a 1.51 goals against average. He’s likely to get the start in this one but check the game day lineups for fantasy purposes.
As a team, the Senators have been pretty strong on the power play. They are near the top of the league in that category with a 27.6% effectiveness. Their penalty kill of 75.6% however could use some improvement. Tim Stutzle leads the team in points with 36 while captain Brady Tkachuk leads in goals with 14. Interestingly, Adam Gaudette is second in goals with 13 but only averages 10:58 time on ice per game. The team is 5-4-1 in their last ten and showed a pretty complete game against the Ducks.
The Hurricanes Story
The Hurricanes enter this one following a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. It was the first time they had given up less than three goals in a game after nine straight. It wasn’t a pretty win (the second period specifically was bad), but it was a win. Carolina has been in a bit of a slump lately and are looking to regain some of their rhythm they had from early in the season. One positive note from their last victory is that all three goals came at 5v5 and from defencemen. Defensive scoring and 5v5 success have both been lacking lately.
One unfortunate result from their last game is losing Jack Drury to injury. He is likely to be out for some time and in response Carolina called up Tyson Jost. Martin Necas continues his hot start and leads the team with 43 points. For the season, Carolina ranks in or near the top ten in many categories including power play (28.3%), penalty kill (84%), goals for per game (3.71) and goals against per game (2.93). To come away with a victory against Ottawa, the Hurricanes will need a full 60-minute effort with limited passengers. Pyotr Kochetkov will likely get the start in this one with Frederik Andersen still out.
Prediction
With both teams looking to establish a consistent winning record, the Senators will be looking for revenge following the last matchup. The Hurricanes will need to put together a full team effort as taking a period off like they did against Sharks will likely not be as easy to get past. If penalties start taking the show, special teams may lean slightly in the Hurricanes favour. Both teams have been strong on the man advantage but Carolina leads a bit on the kill. However, with Carolina’s latest run of inconsistent play, until they show a complete effort it’s hard to know what they are going to show.
Prediction: Ottawa wins 3-2
Prop Bets of the Night
Looking at bets for the evening at FanDuel, Martin Necas for Carolina and Brady Tkachuk for Ottawa are safe bets for any time goal scorers with odds of +180 for each. But it’s probably worth a look at Gaudette with +500 given his effectiveness.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: December 13 Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.