Predators vs. Hurricanes Predictions, Odds, Preview

May 17, 2021
by Joe Williams
NHL Expert
VegasInsider.com


Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 Predictions

Score Prediction Hurricanes 3 Predators 2

The Carolina Hurricanes secured the Central Division title, pushing past the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, the ultra-competitive Florida Panthers and their first-round opponent, the Nashville Predators. The Hurricanes picked up 80 points in just 56 games, with 12 of those points coming at the hands of the Predators. In fact, that's one of many reasons the Hurricanes are so heavily favored in this series.

Carolina won each of the first six meetings before Nashville rattled off two wins to close out the regular season against the Hurricanes in Nashville. Carolina had already sewn up the division title and home-ice advantage, so they looked a bit disinterested in those two outings. However, it is difficult to flip the switch on and off, and the Predators will use those two victories as a springboard into this series.

The Hurricanes are heavily favored in this game, too, as you will need to risk nearly two times your potential return, and that's risky business, but they should cash in the end. Avoid the puck line, however. Add in the fact that in Sunday's playoff games we saw the road team cash in all three games by one goal, and it's not so simple to just pick the favorite and forget about it. Nothing is easy when it comes to the NHL playoffs.

The best bet here might the UNDER, which was 5-1-2 in the eight regular-season meetings, including 3-0-1 in Raleigh.

Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 Best Bets

  • Hurricanes -190 ML
  • UNDER 5.5 -145

Both Teams have failed to score at least two goals in 60 minutes in five straight games played between Nashville and Carolina. (AP)

Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 Odds

First Round Series Odds

  • Hurricanes -190
  • Predators +155
  • Hurricanes (-1.5) +140
  • Predators (+1.5) -165
  • Over 5.5 +120
  • Under 5.5 -145

Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 Betting Analysis

  • Venue: PNC Arena
  • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
  • TV-Time: CNBC - 8:00 p.m. ET

Nashville Predators: 31-23-2 SU, 29-27 ATS, 23-28-5 O/U
Carolina Hurricanes: 36-12-8 SU, 26-30 ATS, 23-27-6 O/U

The Hurricanes were money on home ice this season, going 20-3-3-2 at PNC Arena, one of the loudest buildings in the NHL. And, to make matters worse for the Predators, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper relaxed COVID-19 indoor restrictions in the state, bumping up capacity just in time for the series. In fact, there might be 10,000-12,000 Caniacs at full throat to greet the visitors. Carolina outscored Nashville 15-5 in Raleigh in four meetings this season.

Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Series History

  • 05/10/2021 - Carolina 0 at Nashville 5 (+1.5) (Under 5.5)
  • 05/08/2021 - Carolina 1 at Nashville 3 (+1.5) (Under 5.5)
  • 04/17/2021 - Nashville 1 at Carolina 3 (-1.5) (Under 5.5)

Projected Goalies

Nashville: Juuse Saros (21-11, 3 SO, 2.28 GAA, .927 SV%)

Carolina: Petr Mrazek (6-2, 3 SO, 2.06 GAA .923 SV%)

2021 NHL Playoff First Round Betting Resources

Odds per BetMGM - Subject to Change