Carolina has won four straight while allowing just three goals in those games. Nashville got a reminder of how it can break through on Saturday, when Steven Stamkos tied the game against Tampa Bay on the power play. That’s a chance the Predators may need to make count against a Carolina team that can score even when it’s short-handed.
Why Carolina is favored
DraftKings had Carolina at −198 in its 8:45 a.m. ET snapshot. Our grades favor the Hurricanes at both ends, and our shot projections put them at about 32 to Nashville’s 28. If Juuse Saros starts, that’s a workload he’s seen before. He stopped 34 of 37 against Pittsburgh and 30 of 32 against San Jose in two of his last five starts.
Carolina’s 7–0 win over Winnipeg showed how quickly the game can get away from an opponent. Sean Walker opened the scoring short-handed, Sebastian Aho scored on the power play during a four-goal burst early in the second, and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped all 26 shots. Nashville can use its power plays to chip away at Carolina’s expected edge in shots, provided it takes care of the puck. AP recap of Carolina’s win over Winnipeg.
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What Nashville needs to add at 6.5
Carolina cleared Tuesday’s DraftKings total of 6.5 on its own against Winnipeg. Its previous three games finished with five, three and four goals combined. Kochetkov allowed one or fewer in three of his last five starts, including two shutouts. He and Saros were unconfirmed for Tuesday. If Kochetkov starts, Nashville’s ability to get a couple past him could do as much to shape the total as Carolina’s own scoring.
Nashville has scored at least three in four straight. Stamkos got the Predators to four in regulation against Tampa Bay with his power-play goal and scored the lone shootout goal to win it. With each team projected for about three power plays, Nashville has a chance to add some offense even if Carolina gets more shots overall. AP recap of Nashville’s win over Tampa Bay.
Watch whether Nashville’s first few power plays turn into sustained pressure. If the Predators can get good looks with the extra skater and hold up in net, they have a way to stay close. If Carolina keeps clearing the zone or creating chances of its own, Nashville will have to do more at even strength.
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