The Carolina Hurricanes (1-1-0) take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0) Friday. Puck drop from PPG Paints Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Hurricanes vs. Penguins odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; tied 2-2 last season
The Canes come to town fresh off a 4-2 win against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday. They’ve only played 2 games thus far as they were affected, ironically enough, by Hurricane Milton postponing a game against Tampa Bay. C Sebastian Aho and C Seth Jarvis each scored their 1st goal Tuesday.
The Pens took down the Buffalo Sabres 6-5 in OT Wednesday for their 3rd win in 4 Games. C Sidney Crosby became the 10th player in NHL History to reach 1,600 career points. C Evgeni Malkin became the 48th player in History to reach 500 goals.
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Hurricanes at Penguins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Penguins +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+150) | Penguins +1.5 (-185)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Hurricanes at Penguins projected goalies
Frederik Andersen (0-1-0, 2.07 GAA, .905 SV%) vs. Joel Blomqvist (2-1-0, 2.86 GAA, .913 SV%)
Andersen was solid despite taking the loss in the season opener. He stopped 19 of 21 shots in the 4-1 loss. He hasn’t faced the Pens since Jan. 14, 2023, and he stopped 34 of 35 in a 2-1 win.
Tristan Jarry allowed 3 goals on 5 shots in the first period, which means he could actually draw this start. Blomqvist is expected, though. The 22-year-old rookie has been good early on, stopping 26+ in all 3 appearances.
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Hurricanes at Penguins picks and predictions
Prediction
Penguins 3, Hurricanes 2
Moneyline
Over the last 5 meetings, the home team has been victorious. The Pens have scored 6 goals in 2 straight Games, and Carolina is still trying to hit its stride with just 2 Games since its last preseason Game Oct. 5. As such, I’ll take the PENGUINS +135 for a decent return.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Canes have a very strong defense, and in order to win this game, the Pens will need to cycle the puck. So I’m keying on D Kris Letang, who has 2 SOG in each of the last 3 games. Take KRIS LETANG OVER 1.5 SHOTS (-130).
Over/Under
Carolina is 0-1-1 O/U in their 2 Games, and Pittsburgh is 3-1-1. The Over in this matchup, though, is just 1-8-1 in the last 10. There is some instability without knowing who Pittsburgh will start in net, but I like the UNDER 6.5 (-120).
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