NHL Betting Picks, Odds, And Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes will play their second straight game on the road in two days when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins, who likewise will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back hosting another Metropolitan rival, on Sunday afternoon inside the PPG Paints Arena. The Hurricanes nipped the Islanders in New York on Saturday, 3-2, while the Penguins fell into a deep hole in front of their home crowd as the Washington Capitals mangled them, 5-2.

Carolina Hurricanes

Losing two prized netminders has definitely hurt the cause of the Hurricanes as they had suffered four-straight losses entering Saturday’s tilt in New York. Sensing the need to step up, Anton Forsberg shifted to a higher gear and made 24 saves to help Carolina snap the losing skid. Vincent Trocheck, meanwhile, hit the biggest shot of the night as his goal in overtime ended up being the difference in the match. Justin Williams has been the steadiest piece for the squad, scoring in three straight games as the Hurricanes moved to within two points from the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins failed to sustain their blitz as they were routed by the Capitals on Saturday at home to keep them on the trail in the Metropolitan Division race. Sunday’s joust against Carolina will mark the first of their four meetings in the next three weeks. Pittsburgh has lost seven of their last 10 games but split their last four assignments at home. Evgeni Malkin has reached the 70-point mark which is still a club best while Sidney Crosby sits on a three-game point streak to bring his season totals to 47 points on 16 goals and 31 assists in 39 games.

Odds and Trends

Pittsburgh is less likely to lose at home in two straight nights according to the updated NHL Betting Odds which have them favored at -155. The visiting Hurricanes, on the other hand, are offered at +135 to win.

The Hurricanes are 6-2 in their last 8 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation and 14-5 in their last 19 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

The Penguins are 7-2 in their last 9 games following a loss of 3 or more goals and 137-63 in their last 200 games as a home favorite.

Over is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 vs. Eastern Conference and 4-0 in Penguins last 4 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

Under is 4-0 in Hurricanes last 4 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation and 11-3-2 in Penguins last 16 following a home loss of 3 or more goals.

Prediction

Penguins, 4-3.