Welcome back to NHL Predictions ! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season moves along.
NHL Predictions
2024-25 Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-1 Hurricanes
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NESN; FDSN; SN360
The Bruins (28-27-8) head to Raleigh, North Carolina, to face the Hurricanes (36-22-4) at the Lenovo Center in an exciting matchup Thursday night. This will be the second of three showdowns between these Eastern Conference rivals, with Carolina holding a 1-0 lead after their dominant 8-2 victory over Boston on Hallowe’en. The Bruins continue to slide out of playoff contention, while the Hurricanes are pushing through off-ice distractions.
Boston Must Find a Sense of Urgency
The Boston Bruins eight-year streak of making the postseason will likely be coming to an end as they continue to falter. They currently sit at 12th in the eastern conference with 64 points. Although they’re only two points out of the second wildcard spot, the B’s have played at least two more games than every team they’re battling with. In their last 12 games played, the Bruins have a record of 3-7-2. This type of struggle is unacceptable this time of year, something needs to change starting with their sense of urgency.
This has been an issue for the Bruins all season long, but most notably in the last month or so. Aside from David Pastrnak , the team has seemed to have lost their fight. Whenever something goes wrong, they crumble and allow their opponent to dominate them to the point of no return. Proven in their last meeting, the Hurricanes thrashed the Bruins because they were unable to stop the bleeding. The Bruins have the fifth worst goal differential in the NHL with a -31, when they lose, they lose big. Pastrnak, along with Mason Lohrei must continue to carry this team to prevent the season from becoming even more of a disaster.
In their last game before the NHL’s trade deadline, many Bruins could potentially be playing their last game in the black and gold. That remains to be seen but players like Brandon Carlo , Justin Brazeau , Morgan Geekie , and Charlie Coyle could be on the move come Friday. If he hasn’t already made up his mind about what this team is, Bruins GM, Don Sweeney could use this as one final audition to plan what he may do moving forward. If they hope to keep this core together, they must play their hearts out in Carolina.
Overcome the Distraction in Carolina
The Carolina Hurricanes may occupy the most intriguing story in the league currently. Newly acquired Mikko Rantanen remains unsigned just one day before the trade deadline. The rumours continue to fly but Rantanen could be on the move for a second time in not even two months. The Canes have won three of their last four but since acquiring Rantanen, they have not been the same team they were prior.
Carolina currently controls the second seed in the metropolitan division with 76 points. Potentially trading their new star was not something they originally had in mind. As the deadline approaches, the more of a reality it seems to be. This is a situation we haven’t really seen before in the NHL so the Canes must continue their solid play and focus on picking up two points against a struggling Boston team.
With Rantanen potentially sitting out due to trade related reasons, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis must carry the load for Carolina. Aho has 59 points in 61 games while Jarvis has 46 in 55. Luckily for them, Boston is without their captain and top two defensemen in Brad Marchand , Charlie McAvoy , and Hampus Lindholm . This allows for players like Aho and Jarvis to generate strong offensive chances against Jeremy Swayman , who has not been himself. If Carolina plays their game and blocks out the noise, they should come out of this one with two points.
NHL Predictions
The Bruins haven’t beaten a team that currently occupies a playoff spot in over a month. On February 4th they beat the Wild 3-0. Given their recent struggles, its hard to imagine them having success against a much better team. Despite their current situation, Carolina is good enough to battle through it and get the best of a team they dominated earlier in the season.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-2
Prop Bets of the Night:
David Pastrnak hasn’t scored in his last two games, expect him to find the back of the net as he continues to drive the Bruins offence. He is listed at +140 to score. Former Bruin, Taylor Hall faces his former team for the third time since his departure. In 12 games as a Cane, Hall only has one goal but he has been playing better as of late. He is listed at +360 as an anytime goal scorer. Carolina is a -260 favourite at home.
Main Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: March 6th Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .