NHL Match-Up: Hurricanes vs Coyotes Lines Analysis
With the Hurricanes trailing the Rangers by 8 points, these are must-win games
The Carolina Hurricanes (30-17-5, 65 points) continue their three-game Western run with a stop in Phoenix to face the Arizona Coyotes (23-25-4, 50 points) at the Mullet Arena.
With two games in hand, Carolina is tied with the Philadelphia Flyers at 65 points for second in the Metropolitan Division after dropping a 4-2 decision to the Dallas Stars to start the road trip. The Coyotes have improved over the last NHL season but are still six points out of the last wild-card spot after losing seven straight (0-6-1).
NHL betting lines show the Hurricanes as a -200 road favorite with a total of 6 (over -120). The puck is scheduled to drop at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. Let’s start our Hurricanes vs Coyotes lines analysis, starting with the visitors.
Hurricanes vs Coyotes 
Day/Time:
Location: Mullett Arena, Tempe, AZ
Streaming: NHL NET
Hurricanes Have Eye On Cup
It seems like every season is the same. Carolina has a terrific regular season, followed by a disappointing postseason. It’s been 18 years since the Hurricanes hoisted the Stanley Cup, but could they be in a better position this season than in past years?
We have Carolina ranked second behind the Edmonton Oilers in our recent power rankings because they’ve managed to stay under the radar. It seems as if the more talking heads support you, the less likely it is that an NHL team will win the Cup.
Last year, Rod Brind’Amour’s team lost in the conference finals to the Florida Panthers in what can be classified as a step forward for an organization that into this season with a 3-year record of 142-53-25 (.728). It was the first time since 2019 that The ‘Canes made their way to a conference final.
Tonight presents an opportunity for Carolina to crawl closer to the Rangers after sitting ninth in the conference on Christmas Eve. Since then the Hurricanes are 13-4-1 to climb up to a more familiar spot in the standings. NHL stats show Carolina third in power play goals, and when you’re talking about Cup contenders, special teams success is a must.
‘Yotes Continue Nose Dive Out Of The Postseason
It started out promising, with Arizona hanging on to the plus .500 mark, but a 2-game win streak at the end of January that put Arizona at 23-19-3 was a little too much prosperity, sending Arizona to a losing streak that has reached seven NHL games.
The future doesn’t look bright with a gauntlet in front of them, starting with tonight’s clash with Carolina, a team they’ve lost eight of their last 10 meetings against, including seven of eight. Arizona has lost by a combined score of 9-2 in the last two head-to-head meetings.
There is some talent in the desert, starting with Clayton Keller, who has 21 goals and 28 assists this season. Lawson Crouse could be a 30-goal scorer on the second line, but that’s where the reliable scoring ends. Andre Tourigny’s team needs more playmakers and speed.
Only the San Jose Sharks (1,347) generate fewer shots on net than Arizona (1384), and the Coyotes are third in the NHL with 639 penalty minutes. That directly reflects the lack of speed because players tend to make up for speed by hooking and holding penalties. Until these nuances change, the Coyotes will struggle to be on the right side of most NHL scores and odds.
We have To bet The Total
With the NHL betting line at -200, we’re betting the total, which is the only betting option unless you want to jump on a regulation line with the Hurricanes. We think Arizona is going to struggle to keep a deep Hurricanes team from putting up a ton of shots.
Carolina is one of the few clubs that will have a 30-goal scorer on the second line, with Seth Jarvis playing there with Jordan Stall and Jordan Martinook. We think Carolina could get close to the total themselves, especially after coming off a loss. Take the over 6 (-120). That does it for our Hurricanes vs Coyotes lines analysis, we wish you all the best with your wagers this weekend.
For NHL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
