Back the Canes in a Low-Scoring Duel with Bruins
Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes Spread Preview
The Boston Bruins continue their gauntlet of a schedule to end the 23-24 season. But with one game left on their six-game road trip, Boston will come out of it with a .500 record at worst, and 4-2 with a win against the Carolina Hurricanes.
NHL standings show the Bruins with a 3-point lead over the Florida Panthers while the Hurricanes are just 3 points behind the New York Rangers for the lead in the Metropolitan Division.
The B’s are sixth in our latest NHL power rankings, third in the East, and behind the Hurricanes who are third overall (2nd in the East). Oddsmakers have made Carolina a -150 home favorite with a total of 5.5 (over -125).
Our Bruins vs Hurricanes spread preview starts with the six-time Stanley Cup winners.
Bruins vs Hurricanes 
Records: Boston Bruins (44-17-15), Carolina Hurricanes (47-21-7)
Day/Time:
Location: PNC Arena
Streaming: NESN & Bally Sports South
Bruins Look Playoff Ready
A few weeks back, it looked as if the Boston Bruins weren’t going to defend their division title. The Florida Panthers finished a run of 18 wins in 21 games, while the B’s reminded us of a guy that dangles from a ledge by one hand.
Since then, Florida is 2-7-1 including a 4-3 loss to the Bruins. Florida dropped games to the Montreal Canadiens as a -175 road favorite. It is their second horrible loss in a four-game stretch after losing to the New York Islanders (3-2) as a -185 favorite.
Boston will still have to get through tonight’s games and two more against Florida. But Jim Montgomery’s team is 6-3 in their last nine led by their tremendous tandem in goal with Linus Ullmark (20-9-7, 2.57, .916) and Jeremy Swayman (24-8-8, 2.56, .916).
In the postseason you’ll see more of a tight-checking defensive structure. That’s exactly the game Boston played last night while waiting for the offense to get on the board, which didn’t happen until Charlie Coyle scored the opening and winning goal at the 13:18 mark of the third period.
With the win, Boston reduced their money lot for bettors to -3.54 units after producing +16.98 units last year. As an underdog in 23-24, Boston has been a live dog with a 7-5 straight-up record (+2.42 units).
Over the last two seasons, the B’s are 13-10 as an underdog. If there was a team that has the number of Boston, it’s the Carolina Hurricanes who are 9-5 against the Bruins over the last three seasons. The Bruins may take it on the chin again tonight. But you can bet this will be one of the most entertaining NHL scores.
Hurricanes Deadline Deals Paying Off
At the deadline, the Carolina Hurricanes needed another bonafide goal scorer and depth down the middle. They acquired both in Jake Guentzel (24 goals), who skates on the ‘Canes top line with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, and new third-line center Evgeny Kuznetsov (23 points).
The 31-year former Cup winner now gives Carolina incredible depth alongside Martin Necas (52 points). When a team can go three lines deep, you know they’re a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. We have the Hurricanes at three in our power ratings and second behind the New York Rangers in the East.
Since the deadline, Carolina is 10-2-1. The Hurricanes are home tonight but that depth should help them turn the corner on the road where the ‘Canes are 5-8 in their last 13 postseason games.
For bettors, Rod Brind’Amour’s team has been frustrating to back say the least despite an incredible two-year record of 107-65 (.622). All that winning has yet to produce a profit with a loss of 1.37 units.
Total Tells The Story
When totals came out and we got a 5.5, we knew we were getting a typical Bruins vs Hurricanes matchup. For Boston, they’re not allowing much room on the ice helping the B’s cash three straight uders and four of their last five.
The dynamic goaltending duo allowed just 11 goals in their last five, including five scores allowed in their last three. The Carolina Hurricanes have become an automatic under wager this season with 43 unders against 31 overs and one push. The ‘Canes have cashed four straight unders and six of their last seven.
Carolina has not allowed a goal in their last 60:23 minutes after back-to-back shutouts of Detroit (4-0) and Montreal (3-0). It’s hard to imagine both teams’ under streak not continuing despite the low total, so we’re taking the small plus money and backing the under.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a +165 play on the Hurricanes -1.5 might be worth a smaller wager. That does it for our Bruins vs Hurricanes spread preview, all the best with your NHL picks and Parlays.
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