Hurricanes vs. Red Wings Odds
| Hurricanes Odds | -175 |
| Red Wings Odds | +145 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 -106 / -114 |
Entering the season, it was feasible the Red Wings would take some steps forward, but it was hard to predict they would steal a playoff berth in a crowded Eastern Conference. One of the reasons was because established teams like the Hurricanes seemed all but locked in for another playoff run.
There's still a long way to go, but 28 games into the season, the Red Wings — currently fourth in the Atlantic Division — have a three point lead over multiple teams for the top wild card in the Eastern Conference playoff race.C
Detroit is 8-4-3 on home ice, while the Hurricanes have struggled to a 7-10-0 mark on the road. However, oddsmakers still make the Hurricanes heavy favorites on Thursday night over a Detroit team missing several key players.
Carolina Hurricanes
It's crazy to think that a mark of 15-12-1 is a huge letdown for the Hurricanes, but that is how successful the team has been in the Rod Brind'Amour era. A potential playoff absence seems almost unfathomable.
Even though the 'Canes have received the lowest save percentage (.858) in the league from their goaltending duo, they still own a +1 goal differential and a plus-.500 record. Solid offensive play has been part of the reason why. They rank 12th with a 3.44 xGF/60 over their last 10 games, and sit in 13th place on the season.
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While they are not known for its finishing ability, Carolina is excellent at generating tons of attempts on goal with extended offensive zone shifts. Even without Andrei Svechnikov, there is cause for optimism.
Martin Necas has been a clear letdown to start the season, but he is a talent worth continued belief. He should skate on a strong second line alongside Teuvo Teravainen and Jesperi Kotkaniemi tonight, which will get favorable matchups versus a depleted Wings side. They make a strong stack in DFS and are good prop bet targets.
It's unclear whether the Hurricanes will turn back to Pyotr Kochetkov in goal after a strong showing in Ottawa, or look to Antti Raanta. Going back to Kochetkov seems the more natural line of thinking. He owns an .884 save percentage and -5.0 GSAx in 13 appearances this season.
Detroit Red Wings
Oddsmakers showed their disrespect to Detroit opening this game at near -150 most places, and now that number has been pushed to -170. Detroit's overall process has been solid, but this number still makes sense when factoring everything into play.
Over their last 10 games, the Red Wings own a 51.31 expected-goals-for percentage. Their play has not looked dominant to the eye either, and their ability to score on 13.74% of their shots has hidden some otherwise modest form.
Finishing is the name of the game, I get it. Credit to the Wings for that, and for displaying tremendous puck movement on the man advantage in particular. If that mark comes down to Earth, as history suggests it will, the Wings are a middle-of-the-pack team defensively with a goaltending unit that is not wholly convincing.
Detroit will remain without Dylan Larkin, David Perron and J.T. Compher in this matchup. Larkin and Compher in particular had been in the midst of tremendous seasons, and are losses that hurt more coming in unison.
Ville Husso has been confirmed as the Wings starter in this matchup. He owns a -6.2 GSAx, and .886 save percentage in 15 appearances this season.
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Hurricanes vs. Red Wings
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Red Wings are suffering through some key absences and are unlikely to own much of the play in this matchup. Larkin's loss hurts everywhere, including Detroit's defensive upside. He is a crucial piece in all facets of the game, and the Hurricanes top skaters will get far easier matchups tonight.
Aside from Larkin's absence, the Red Wings have not been trending too well in terms of goal prevention. They have allowed 4.50 goals against per game over the last five, and that has come against a soft schedule of teams.
Generating chances at an above-average rate, Carolina still features a talented offensive core. The 'Canes depth can certainly cause problems tonight, even without Svechnikov.
Carolina projects to go over 3.5 goals often enough to hold value down to -125 in this matchup.
Pick: Hurricanes Team Total Over 3.5 (-115 | Play to -125)
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