Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Boston Bruins have been transformed under Marco Sturm this season and even climbed to the top of the Atlantic Division. Yet despite that rise, they are not viewed as favourites heading into this clash with the Carolina Hurricanes, who currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins have played more games than most teams in the league (20) and collected 24 points. Last season that tally would have been enough for the Ottawa Senators to clinch the first Eastern Conference wild card. The Bruins are only eight points clear of the Buffalo Sabres, who are bottom-placed in the conference table. Even so, their home form inspires confidence with eight wins in 11 games.
Carolina Hurricanes
Despite having fewer matches (18) and sitting second in the Metropolitan, the Carolina Hurricanes have still earned more points (25). Unlike the Bruins’ 4-5-0 away record, they boast a strong 6-3-0 return on the road, only slightly short of their performance in Raleigh at 6-2-1. Nikolaj Ehlers has hit top gear with points in seven straight outings (4+4), while Andrei Svechnikov has emerged from his slump with seven points in his last six games. One major reason is that he has been moved back onto the top line alongside the Hurricanes’ leading scorers Sebastian Aho (18 points) and Seth Jarvis (16).
Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction
Even so, we are not taking the Carolina Hurricanes to win outright or on the double chance. The Boston Bruins’ positive rhythm at 8-2-0 and the head-to-head at TD Garden on 1 November, which ended 2:1, give us pause. Our pick is the hosts with a +1.5 handicap.
