Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Venue: Centre Bell, Montreal, QE

Where to watch: TVAS, CITY, SNE, BSSO

DraftKings: Check back later for odds

BetMGM: Check back later for odds

Caesars: Check back later for odds

Hurricanes: 47-18-9

Canadiens: 30-40-6

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On April 1, 2023, the Carolina Hurricanes will travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Both teams have had solid seasons so far, with the Hurricanes currently sitting in second place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 42-22-4, and the Canadiens in third place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 38-26-4. This upcoming matchup will be crucial for both teams as they look to secure a playoff spot and build momentum heading into the postseason.

The Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the top teams in the league this season, with a strong offense and solid defense. They have scored an average of 3.23 goals per game, the fourth-highest mark in the league, and have allowed an average of just 2.48 goals against per game, the second-best mark in the league. Their special teams play has also been excellent, with a power play success rate of 26.4% and a penalty kill success rate of 85.4%. The Hurricanes are led by Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas, who havebeen spectacular. They also have a strong defensive corps, anchored by Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns.

The Montreal Canadiens have also had a solid season, with a well-balanced roster and a strong goaltending tandem. They have scored an average of 2.91 goals per game and have allowed an average of 2.75 goals against per game. Their special teams play has been average, with a power play success rate of 19.2% and a penalty kill success rate of 80.9%.

When these two teams last met earlier in the season, it was the Hurricanes who emerged victorious with a 6-3 win on home ice. However, both teams have gone through changes since then, and this upcoming matchup could go either way. The Hurricanes will be looking to build on their previous win and continue their strong play down the stretch, while the Canadiens will be looking to avenge their previous loss and solidify their playoff spot.

One key factor to watch out for in this game is the goaltending matchup between the Hurricanes' Freddie Andersen and the Canadiens' Jake Allen. Andersen has emerged as the Hurricanes' starter this season, with a record of 23-9-3 and a save percentage of .929. He has been a key reason for the Hurricanes' success this season and will need to continue his strong play in this upcoming matchup. Allen, on the other hand, has had a somewhat down season by his standards.

Another factor to consider is the special teams play of both teams. The Hurricanes have been one of the top teams in the league on the power play, while the Canadiens have struggled with their penalty kill at times this season. If the Hurricanes can capitalize on their power play opportunities and the Canadiens can tighten up on their penalty kill, it could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

In conclusion, the upcoming matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens promises to be an exciting and closely contested game. Both teams have had solid seasons so far, and this game could have implications on their playoff positioning.

Prediction

Expect Annti Raanta to be the one in the pipes for Carolina in this one. I can imagine he'll want to play well in this one. Hurricanes 4, Canadiens 2

Hurricanes:

Jordan Martinook -- Sebastian Aho -- Martin Necas

Stefan Noesen -- Jesperi Kotkaniemi -- Seth Jarvis

Teuvo Teravainen -- Jordan Staal -- Jesper Fast

Jack Drury -- Paul Stastny -- Derek Stepan

Jaccob Slavin -- Brent Burns

Brady Skjei -- Brett Pesce

Shayne Gostisbehere -- Jalen Chatfield

Antti Raanta

Canadiens:

Rafael Harvey-Pinard -- Nick Suzuki -- Mike Hoffman

Denis Gurianov -- Jonathan Drouin -- Jesse Ylonen

Sean Farrell -- Jake Evans -- Brendan Gallagher

Michael Pezzetta -- Chris Tierney -- Alex Belzile

Mike Matheson -- David Savard

Joel Edmundson -- Justin Barron

Jordan Harris -- Johnathan Kovacevic

Jake Allen