Carolina Hurricanes - Montreal Canadiens predictions and free betting tips [29/12/2023]

The Carolina Hurricanes will take on the Montreal Canadiens in the next NHL regular season match.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes have recently shown excellent results, beating the Nashville Predators 5:2 after just three days of rest. In the last 5 games for Carolina, Russian Petr Kochetkov has been in goal, but the team is considering starting Raanta in the next match. Raanta recently returned to the NHL after his stint in the minor leagues. Hurricanes head coach Brind'Amour emphasises the importance of the goaltending position for the team's success and expresses confidence in Raanta. Aho, playing for Carolina, scored a goal and made three assists against Nashville, marking his 8th career win with four or more points. He has netted 14 goals this season. The victory over Nashville was a pivotal moment for the Hurricanes after losing 4 of the last 5 games. The team has a home record of 2-1-2 this month. With 20 games, Andrei Svechnikov ranks 5th among top scorers with 3 goals and 13 assists, while Russian defenceman Dmitry Orlov stands at 1 goal and 12 assists in 35.

On Wednesday, the Hurricanes demonstrated impressive attacking play against the Nashville Predators. Despite this being their second consecutive match, the offence was performing at a high level. This season, the Hurricanes are scoring an average of 3.24 goals per game, conceding 3.18. The team's attack ranks 14th in the league, and the defence will play a crucial role in the upcoming match, particularly against tired opponents. Carolina is currently 7th in the East with 40 points, neck and neck with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers.

Montreal Canadiens

Recently the Montreal Canadiens have shown improved results, winning three out of their last four games and extending their streak to five games with points earned (3-0-2). The team demonstrated impressive offensive play in their last game against the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring five goals. Suzuki made a significant contribution, scoring one goal and adding an assist. On average, the Canadiens score 2.79 goals per game, while their defence lets in 3.3 goals. The team's attack ranks 27th in the league, and they have scored 95 goals to date, which is less than most of the other league teams.

This week, Montreal defeated the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks but lost to the Minnesota Wild. The team effectively plays in the majority, capitalising on 17.7% of their chances. Suzuki leads the team with 10 scored goals, Matison is the top assistant with 19 passes, and Cotfield made 121 shots at goal. In defence, the Canadiens allow 3.3 goals per game and defend 73% of shots while outnumbered. Goalkeepers Allen and Montembo let in 39 and 43 goals, respectively. The Canadiens have lost all 9 recent matches at the PNC Arena, indicating their difficulties in away games.

Head-to-head

In the last 6 head-to-head games, Carolina has shown dominance, winning each of these games. These victories include the last match on April 2, 2023, where Carolina won 3:0, the game on March 8, 2023, which ended with a score of 4:3, and the match on February 17, 2023, when Carolina convincingly won 6:2. This streak demonstrates Carolina's strong performance against Montreal.

Prediction for the match Carolina Hurricanes - Montreal Canadiens

The Habs have lost 6 times in a row and 9 out of the last 10 encounters, and none of these victories have been hard-fought, in the current season. Montreal is tailing in the standings and I see no reason to back them for an away victory. Svechnikov, after his return, has scored thrice and is gradually getting to his level, whereas Kochetkov needs to improve his play.