Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Montreal Canadiens visiting the Carolina Hurricanes in the opening game of the Eastern Conference Final. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes
2025-26 Season Series: Hurricanes 0-3 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: TNT, HBO Max, TruTV. Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVA Sports.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We feature Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals in this edition of NHL predictions. The Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes square off for a chance to battle for the Stanley Cup. Montreal is coming off a rough seven-game series against the Buffalo Sabres. However, Carolina has been patiently waiting for its next opponent after dispatching the Philadelphia Flyers in four consecutive games.
The Habs got another series-clinching goal from Alex Newhook to get a 3-2 overtime win in Game 7 over Buffalo. Jakub Dobes and Montreal survived the ups and downs of the series to overcome a tough Sabres team. Montreal is looking to get back to its first final since the 2021 season.
Carolina has been off 12 days while Montreal only got a two-day respite. One wonders if the Canes will be rusty with one of the longest breaks in league history. We’ve seen Carolina look dominant in the first two rounds. However, the Canadiens offer a whole new set of challenges.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines in the Game 1 edition of our NHL predictions.
The Canadiens Story
Montreal took the next logical step in its progression with getting by Buffalo in round two. The Canadiens managed to win three times at KeyBank Center, including an OT win in Game 7. This young Montreal group also beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in a Game 7 on the road.
Dobes had some moments of doubt like in Game 6. However, the youngster locked in and gave the Habs enough stops to give the club a fighting chance. He’ll have to be at the top of his game to deal with a Carolina roster that’s been rolling on both ends of the ice.
Newhook is the team’s surprise leader in goals this postseason. There are several players like Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach, and Nick Suzuki that are on four goals. However, Lane Hutson leads the way in points with 14, including 12 assists.
(Credit Image: © Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire)
The Hurricanes Story
Carolina mowed down both the Ottawa Senators and the Flyers in four consecutive games each. The Hurricanes could be the first team to go 9-0 to start the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 1985 Edmonton Oilers. However, the Hurricanes have been off quite a long time.
Frederik Andersen has been stellar in the postseason so far. Andersen has a 1.12 goals-against-average, two shutouts, and a .950 save percentage. Goaltending his often been a question for Carolina, but the Dane has been great in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Canes.
Logan Stankoven has been electric this postseason with seven goals in the postseason. Former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall is Carolina’s leading point-getter with 12 so far in the playoffs. However, others like Jackson Blake have been stepping up.
Prediction
One wonders how Carolina will react to a lengthy break this last in the campaign. The first period could tell the story for this game. Montreal could be worn down from that lengthy series. However, the Habs may also be in the flow of playing every other day. This could be the team’s best chance to catch Carolina and steal one game down in Raleigh.
However, Carolina has been dominant, and we won’t pick against them until evidence says otherwise.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.
Best Bets
We close out this set of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Canadiens versus Hurricanes in Game 1 is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Juraj Slafkovsky to get a goal for Montreal. On the Carolina side of things, go with Sebastian Aho to get an assist.
Main photo by: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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