NHL Predictions: December 30th, Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins host the Hurricanes in a rivalry game. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL. In tonight’s matchup, Pittsburgh looks to continue building momentum against a division-leading Carolina squad.

NHL Predictions: Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Penguins

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SNE, SNP, SNW, SN-PIT, FDSNSO. 

Crosby and the Penguins host Sebastian Aho and the Carolina Hurricanes in a Metropolitan Division clash. 

Penguins Story

Penguins come into this game off a 7-3 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks. With the victory, Pittsburgh is now 2-5-3 in its last 10 games. With a record of 16-12-9, the Penguins have faltered in their playoff position and rank 12th in the Eastern Conference. However, the East is still just as close as ever, and the Penguins are just one point out of a wildcard spot and four points out of a Metropolitan Division spot. Although the playoffs may not be completely out of reach for the Penguins, the team has gotten back to its retool. Following the trade of goaltender Tristan Jarry, Pittsburgh made a move for former Columbus Blue Jacket winger Yegor Chinakhov. A former first-round pick, the Penguins hope Chinakhov can slot into the team’s top nine and begin producing immediately. 

One of the stars of the Penguins’ games against the Blackhawks was winger Justin Brazeau. Brazeau scored a hat trick in the victory and is up to 11 goals and 18 points in 23 games this season. While everyone expected players like Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin to produce well, Brazeau and Anthony Mantha have produced better than expected. Mantha has scored 12 goals and 25 points in 37 games. On defence, Ryan Shea had a spectacular game against Chicago. Shea scored three assists and has two goals and 16 points in 37 games this season while playing in a top-four role. He’s played a fantastic game anchoring Kris Letang on the right side. In net, expect Stuart Skinner to get the start. Skinner has started in three games for the Penguins, failing to record a win and posting a .831 save percentage. 

Hurricanes Story

Carolina comes into this game on the second half of a back-to-back. They beat the New York Rangers last night by a score of 3-2 in overtime. With the win, the Hurricanes are now 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Their 24-11-3 record places them at the top of the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. Carolina’s played just as well as everyone expected, with the playoffs being their proving grounds. Until then, they look to perfect their systems and get more experience for their roster to ensure they’re ready for the postseason. Games like this one against Pittsburgh are more of a trial run to figure out what holes may need to be filled in the lineup rather than games needed to build momentum to qualify for the playoffs. Coming into the second half of a back-to-back, however, the Hurricanes may lack energy after playing the Rangers last night. 

The Hurricanes are led in scoring by centre Sebastian Aho. The star centre has scored 14 goals and 34 points in 38 games. Behind him is a litany of Carolina Hurricanes that are all having productive seasons. Forwards to watch include Andrei Svechnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers. Svechnikov has 10 goals and 27 points in 38 games. Meanwhile, Ehlers has struggled in his first season in Carolina. He’s scored just eight goals and 26 points in 38 games. Rookie defenceman Alexander Nikishin has done well to start his career. He’s produced three goals and 14 points through 38 games to start his career. In net, expect Brandon Bussi to get the start. Bussi has emerged as a starter for the Hurricanes this season due to consistent injuries to the goaltending tandem of Frederick Anderson and Pyotr Kochetkov. Bussi has been absolutely spectacular this season, going 12-1-1 with a .912 save percentage. 

NHL Prediction

Although the Penguins showed offensive flair against the Blackhawks, the Carolina Hurricanes are a completely different team. Even with some key injuries, expect Carolina to put their best forward and get the victory here. 

NHL Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-1

Prop Bet of the Night

The Carolina Hurricanes have been a great defensive team while also showing some offensive flair. The Penguins’ defence, meanwhile, has completely collapsed. This is something the Hurricanes are likely to take advantage of while also shutting down the Penguins’ offence. With this, a popular prop bet of goals under five with odds of +250 is a solid bet. 

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