Carolina Hurricanes (1-1-0) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0)
With the NHL regular season in full swing, it’s almost time for the intriguing match between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins which will be played on Friday at the PPG Paints Arena. The two teams have exhibited different sights in their seasons as the Penguins are looking to build on a good start while the Hurricanes are still trying to find their groove. This game should be considered important for both teams as they look to get some much-needed wins in the early part of their season. Fans and bettors alike should not miss this encounter; it is one of the best matches for this week in NHL picks and predictions.
The Carolina Hurricanes’ winning strategy is rooted in the connectivity of the forwards where center Jordan Staal and younger players like Jackson Blake and Seth Jarvis provide the energy and scoring the team needs. They must however overcome the tough Pittsburgh defense who have a decent home record of 7 – 2 SU in their last 9 games. The Hurricanes will need to take advantage of power plays to make any considerable progress against the Penguins’ defense.
On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins are a well rounded team with good offensive players in Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Malkin has 11 points whereas Crosby has 6 which will be a big threat to the defenses of the Hurricanes. Since Carolina goaltender Frederik Anders has had little playtime and exposure this season, the experienced sophomores from Pittsburgh may be able to take advantage of that.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game Info
| When: | Friday, October 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | PPG Paints Arena |
| TV: | NHL Network |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Frederik Andersen vs. Goaltender Joel Blomqvist
Frederik Andersen will serve as a critical focus for Carolina as he is expected to play in goal. Anders has only played one match this season and that too with a poor score of a save percentage of 0.905, so he has to step his game up against a heavy Pittsburgh offense. Anders would have to be effective in goal under pressure, especially when there are shots taken by world class players like Malkin and Crosby. It can be expected that Anders could set the tone of the game and control it for Carolina.
On the contrary, it has been Joel Blomqvist of Pittsburgh who has shone this season with three matches and a decent save percentage of 0.913. A level head would be required from him for a Hurricanes side that would want to frustrate the entire Pittsburgh team while playing at home. It is expected that Blomqvist’s efforts in goal against stunned Carolina’s major attackers such as Staal and Jarvis will conserve the defensive aspect of Pittsburgh.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Carolina Hurricanes -145, Total Odds: 6.5
The betting odds are leaning towards a tight contest with the Hurricanes slightly favored in the moneyline at -145. The total over/under at 6.5 points suggests expectations of a relatively high-scoring affair, a reflection of both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent performances. Bettors might find value in considering the over, given the offensive talents lined up, though the strong goaltending on both ends could equally tip the scales towards the under.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Trends
The Hurricanes have shown a strong track record against Pittsburgh, with a 9-3 SU in their last 12 encounters. This historical edge, combined with their solid road game performance (12-6 SU in their last 18 road games), could give them a slight psychological advantage. However, their recent struggles in games played in October, where the total has mostly gone UNDER, might concern some bettors.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
Pittsburgh’s recent form at home and against Eastern Conference opponents indicates a strong capability to control games in familiar settings. However, their record against Carolina, especially the trend of games going UNDER when these two teams clash, poses questions about their ability to convert plays into goals against the Hurricanes.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 10/18/24 Betting Picks
The upcoming face-off between the Hurricanes and Penguins promises an exhilarating clash, with both teams demonstrating considerable strengths and vulnerabilities. Analyzing their past performances and current form, this game could tilt in favor of the team that best capitalizes on in-game dynamics and goalie performance. With both sides showing potential for a high-scoring affair, bettors should consider the over on total points.
For those seeking value in moneyline bets, Pittsburgh offers a promising pick at +117. Their strong home game record and favorable odds make them an attractive choice in top online betting platforms. Prop bet enthusiasts might look at player points for Malkin and Crosby, given their offensive contributions this season.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins 4, Carolina Hurricanes 3
