Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Game 3 Picks, Odds and Props: Carolina to Counter
The Carolina Hurricanes knotted the Eastern Conference final at one game apiece, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime to take Game 2 at home.
In the first game of the series at the Bell Centre, bet365 Sportsbook lists the road Hurricanes as the moneyline favorites (-135) with a total of 5.5 expected goals.
Read our Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Game 3 prediction, odds breakdown, and recommended player props before joining the action.
Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Game 3 odds
| Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
| Canadiens (+175) | Canadiens, +1.5 goals (-150) | Over 6 goals (-105) |
| Hurricanes (-210) | Hurricanes, -1.5 goals (+125) | Under 6 goals (-115) |
In Game 2, not only did the Canes get their first win in four tries against the Habs this season, but they also snapped their 10-game home losing streak in the conference finals.
Canes vs. Habs Game 3 betting analysis
Carolina killed it on the defensive side of the ice while sweeping their first two series before surrendering six goals in the Game 1 loss against Montreal. They returned to solid defense in Game 2, allowing two goals on just 12 shots, and killing both of Montreal’s power play opportunities.
Getting physical
The Hurricanes have been much more physical in the series, and in Game 2, they had 46 hits while Montreal had only 16.
The Canes were aggressive on the forecheck and maintained pressure on the defensive side of the ice the entire game. They gave up quick transition chances in Game 1, but did not let that happen in Game 2
Off-season addition comes up big
Carolina’s Nikolaj Ehlers (4 goals, 2 assists) was a key off-season addition, and he came up big in Game 2. Ehlers scored the Canes' second goal before adding the game-winner in overtime.
Habs need more scoring chances
Through two games, the Canadiens have been outshot 54-34. They won Game 1 because of uncharacteristic mistakes from Carolina, but were not so fortunate in Game 2.
Montreal has to find a way to get more shots and put more pressure on Frederik Andersen, who ranks second in the playoffs with a 1.55 goals-against average. It's a tall task against a Carolina defensive unit that's allowed just 17.3 shots over the last four games.
Anderson and that’s it
In Game 2, Josh Anderson scored both Montreal goals, and Phillip Danault earned a pair of assists.
Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and Alex Newhook have combined for 18 goals in the playoffs, but put up just one shot each in Game 2. That's not going to cut it, as they need to step up the pressure on the Carolina defense in Game 3.
Canadiens can’t feel that bad
Montreal lost Game 2, but they can’t feel that bad about being tied 1-1. The last game went to overtime, and in both games, they have been heavily outshot and outhit.
The Habs have held Carolina's top three playoff scorers — Taylor Hall (3 goals, 9 assists), Jackson Blake (4 goals, 7 assists), and Logan Stankoven (7 goals, 1 assist) — pointless in the series.
With the Colorado Avalanche losing the first three games of the Western Conference final, online sportsbooks now give the Hurricanes the best odds (+145) to win the Stanley Cup.
The Habs must rebound at home
To take a series lead, the Canadiens have to win at home, but it's been a challenge in the playoffs. They lost their last two games at the Bell Centre and are only 2-4 on home ice.
On the other side of the coin, the Canes have yet to lose on the road in the playoffs.
PlayersBest pick: Hurricanes moneyline (-135)
While winning in OT in Game 2, Carolina played their game with physical play and solid defense. They will continue that in Game 3 against a Montreal team that has allowed 11 goals while losing its last two home games.
The Canes will come out on top again in Game 3, getting the win to take a 2-1 series lead, and taking back home-ice advantage.
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 3 player prop picks
Here are a couple of player prop picks we like at BetMGM Sportsbook for this matchup:
- Frederik Andersen Under 20.5 saves (-110) – Andersen made 10 saves on 12 shots in Game 2, and over the last four games has only faced an average of 17 shots.
- Sebastian Aho Over 0.5 points (+125) – Pretty solid value for Aho, who led the Canes in assists this season and has two in the last four games.
