Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today’s round of NHL Predictions, we are looking at the game between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Vegas Golden Knights vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-1 Hurricanes
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Fan Duel Sports South; Scripps Vegas; NHL Network
We have one game featuring in this round of NHL predictions. The Golden Knights continue their Eastern swing against the Hurricanes in Raleigh. This is the second and final meeting of the season between the two Stanley Cup Playoff stalwarts.
Carolina won the first meeting of the season by a 5-2 score on November 11 at T-Mobile Arena. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jordan Staal each posted a goal and an assist to lead the Hurricanes to victory. Jack Eichel had a hand in both Vegas goals with a marker and an assist.
Both teams have been over .500 in the last 10 games, but the two teams are also coming off losses. Let’s dive into the main storylines in this round of NHL predictions.
The Golden Knights Story
Vegas is coming into this game with a 6-4 mark in the last 10 games. However, the Knights are coming off a surprising 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators. Vegas has company atop the Pacific Division with it and the Edmonton Oilers are 61 points each.
Adin Hill is the expected starter for Vegas, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Pavel Dorofeyev has totaled 19 goals and eight assists for the Golden Knights. Team captain Mark Stone has been solid as of late with five goals with six assists over the last 10 games.
The Hurricanes Story
Carolina is coming off a pair of losses in a row. However, the Hurricanes are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games entering this matchup. The Canes will try to bounce back from a surprising 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres last time out. Carolina is three points off second place in the Metropolitan Division.
Pyotr Kochetkov is the projected starter for Carolina in this game. Staal has been great as of late with five goals and four assists for nine points in the last 10 games. Andrei Svechnikov has good season totals with 15 goals with 17 assists for the Hurricanes.
Prediction
Both teams seem like solid picks to make the post-season. However, both clubs would like a win for different reasons. Carolina wants to clinch a first-round series on home ice while Vegas chases a divisional crown.
The Golden Knights seem to have just enough to get the victory on the road. However, it will take some extra hockey.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3 in overtime.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. If you think we’re correct on our overtime pick, go with yes at +300 at FanDuel. As for player props, take Ivan Barbashev to score a goal at +430 via FanDuel for Vegas. On the Carolina side, go with Seth Jarvis to have a multi-point night at +340 on FanDuel.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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