Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens Predictions

Carolina's edge comes with key unknowns

Carolina is the slight favorite after outshooting Philadelphia 40-18 in a 3-2 overtime win on October 3. According to the Carolina Hurricanes / NHL.com game preview, Sebastian Aho scored both regulation goals and Shayne Gostisbehere scored the winner. That performance supports Carolina as the likely winner, but the SPF price of -120 offers little margin for uncertainty.

The Hurricanes have not named their starting goalie. Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 16 of 18 shots in Philadelphia, while Brandon Bussi could make his third start in four games. Jakub Dobes started Montreal's first two games. With Tuesday's matchup still lacking confirmed starters, the moneyline is a pass.

Montreal has shown scoring punch

Montreal erased a 5-1 deficit in its last game by scoring four straight goals before losing 6-5 in overtime at Pittsburgh. Nick Suzuki has one goal and three assists through two games. Carolina has scored five goals in three games, with three coming on the power play, so special teams could help the Hurricanes overcome their modest even-strength scoring total.

Fubo News lists Montreal defenseman Kaiden Guhle as out, with defenseman Alexandre Carrier and center Oliver Kapanen day-to-day. Carolina forward Seth Jarvis practiced in a no-contact jersey after offseason shoulder surgery, but the Carolina Hurricanes / NHL.com preview did not confirm his availability. Those lineup questions make Carolina's short road price harder to justify.

Betting view

The total is 6.5, with the over at +100 and the under at -120. Montreal's high-scoring loss is only one game, and the available season sample is too small to support either side of the total. Carolina should win more often than Montreal, but the best betting decision is to pass.