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 second 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
Series: Canadiens 1-0 Hurricanes
How to Watch: US TV: TNT, HBO Max, TruTV. Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
It’s Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes in this latest round of NHL predictions. Montreal did something that no other team has done and beat Carolina in the postseason. The victory prevented the Hurricanes from equaling the 1985 Edmonton Oilers in winning the first nine games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Montreal fell behind early after a Seth Jarvis goal but stayed patient and calm. The Canadiens reeled off four consecutive goals to give themselves some breathing room. A pair of Juraj Slafkovsky goals in the third period helped establish the final 6-2 margin.
Carolina now has to pick itself off the mat and see how it can fight back from its first round of adversity in the postseason. Thursday’s loss was the first bad game the Hurricanes have played in the playoffs after having been almost perfect in the first eight games.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines going into the second game of the Eastern Conference Finals in our NHL predictions.
The Canadiens Story
There was some concern that the Habs would be worn out after a lengthy seven-game series against the Buffalo Sabres. Montreal came out flat in Game 1 against Buffalo after going the distance with the Tampa Bay Lightning in round one. However, Montreal survived the Jarvis goal and used its own barrage to the key victory.
Jakub Dobes played his second consecutive strong game in goal after a shaky Game 6 outing against the Sabres. Dobes his silenced the doubters that were uncertain if he would be the backstop of choice for the Canadiens. The 24-year-old has a .911 save percentage and 2.48 goals-against-average in the playoffs.
Slafkovsky totaled three points to lead the way for the Habs. Cole Caufield and Phillip Danault each collected a goal and an assist for the Canadiens in Game 1. Lane Hutson has been spectacular in the playoffs and leads the way with 14 points.
(Credit Image: © Brent Clark/Cal Sport Media)
The Hurricanes
It looked like the Hurricanes showed no signs of rust after Jarvis scored less than a minute into the first period. However, Caufield’s goal quieted the crowd and was the catalyst for Montreal’s surge. The Hurricanes also have yet to beat the Habs in four meetings between the regular and postseason.
Frederik Andersen had been solid in the first eight games for Carolina. However, he struggled in the first period against the Canadiens. Andersen will likely get the call again, but one wonders if the shouts for Brandon Bussi or Pyotr Kochetkov could get louder.
Former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall leads the team in assists (9) and points (12) so far this postseason. Logan Stankoven has cooled off since his hot start against the Ottawa Senators but can heat up at any time.
Prediction
Montreal seems to have Carolina’s number so far this season. However, Rod Brind’Amour‘s team will likely come out with some jump. The Canadiens have been a very strong road team in the playoffs. However, Carolina seems to be ready to finally even up the series. Teams that start 2-0 on the road are 20-1 in NHL history. This seems to be a must-win game for Carolina.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Canadiens versus Hurricanes is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, go with Hutson to get at least an assist for Montreal. On the Carolina end of things, take Stankoven to get on track with a goal.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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