Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs 3/17/2023 Tips, Best Picks and Previews
The Carolina Hurricanes will go against the Toronto Maple Leafs in NHL action in Scotiabank Arena, ON, CAN, on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 7:30 PM ET. The offensive for the Hurricanes is stepping up and producing 3.30 goals per game, including five goals in their most recent encounter. The top line is led by Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas, who combined for 52 goals and 64 assists, but the entire offense was excellent. While defensemen Brent Burns and Brady Skjei added 25 goals and 55 assists from the point to help open up the attack, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Seth Jarvis, and Teuvo Teravainen scored 37 goals and 62 assists between them.
Although the offense was excellent, the Hurricanes’ defense kept them in games by giving up just 2.52 goals per contest. Brady Skjei, Jaccob Slavin, and Jalen Chatfield collaborated for 12.3 defensive point shares to give the team depth, while Brent Burns and Brett Pesce contributed 9.4 defensive point shares and 163 blocked shots. Goaltender Frederik Andersen has a.903 save %, a 2.41 goals-against average, and -0.9 goals saved above average. It is hoped that he can improve.
- The total went UNDER in 8 of Carolina’s last 12 matches.
- The Carolina Hurricanes are 15-5 SU in their last 20 matches.
- The Carolina Hurricanes are 2-4 SU in their last 6 matches against Toronto.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs 3/17/2023 Tips, Best Picks and Previews
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs‘ offense has also been dominant this season, averaging 3.39 goals per game, with 15 goals scored in their last four matches. Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews have accounted for 90 goals and 142 assists, with Morgan Rielly and Mark Giordano contributing seven goals and 48 assists from the blue line. In addition, John Tavares, Michael Bunting, and Calle Jarnkrok have combined for 65 goals and 74 assists.
The Maple Leafs’ defense has also been impressive, conceding just 2.67 goals per game, with only two goals allowed in their latest game. Timothy Liljegren, T.J. Brodie, and Jake McCabe have contributed 6.6 defensive point shares, while Mark Giordano and Justin Holl have added 8.4 defensive point shares and 240 blocked shots. Goalie Ilya Samsonov has been solid, with a 2.36 goals-against average and a save percentage of .916 on 946 shots faced, saving 11.2 more goals than the norm.
- The total went OVER in 5 of Carolina’s last 7 games on the road against Toronto.
- Carolina is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- The total stayed UNDER in 8 of Carolina’s last 11 games with a team in the Atlantic Division.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs. The NHL pick for this game is the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Eastern Conference’s top teams will clash in an exciting matchup as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Carolina Hurricanes. The Maple Leafs aim to dominate on home ice with their potent offense, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, who move the puck with precision and generate open shots. Meanwhile, the defensive unit, anchored by Mark Giordano and Justin Holl, forces turnovers and limits shots, allowing goaltender Ilya Samsonov to make key saves. Predicted score: 6-5 in favor of the Maple Leafs.
NHL Starting Time: 7:30 PM (EDT)
Location: Scotiabank Arena, ON, CAN
Date: Friday, March 17, 2023
TV: NHL
NHL Odds: Carolina Hurricanes +108
NHL Totals: 6.5
