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 hosting the Carolina Hurricanes in this pivotal Game 4 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: Hurricanes 2-1 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: TNT, HBO Max, TruTV. Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVA Sports.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
This round of NHL predictions features Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens. Carolina shook off a lousy opening game of the series to take a two to one lead in the series. However, the Hurricanes needed two consecutive overtime games to get past the young Habs.
Carolina has had nightmares in every Eastern Conference Final series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. However, the Canes have managed to get within two games of reaching their first Stanley Cup Final since winning it all. Carolina has seemingly dealt with the adversity that it’s been handed out so far.
However, there’s still a long way to go and a win by Montreal will turn the series into a best-of-three. The Canadiens have managed to hang around despite not evening eclipsing 15 shots in the last two games. Jakub Dobes has stood tall in between the pipes, but he’s going to need the team in front of him to score some goals.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines going into this pivotal Game 4 of the Eastern Final in our NHL predictions.
The Hurricanes Story
Carolina tasted its first defeat on the postseason after losing Game 1. Some wondered how Rod Brind’Amour‘s team would react to getting hit in the mouth in the series-opening loss. However, the Canes got a pair of overtime wins thanks to goals by Nikolaj Ehlers and Sebastian Aho, respectively.
Frederik Andersen hasn’t had to make a lot of stops. However, the veteran netminder has made some timely saves. Andersen will have to keep improving because the Habs will likely try to put more pucks on the net going forward.
Former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall has come up huge for Carolina in this playoff run. Hall has the team’s lead in assists (9) and points (13), while Logan Stankoven is first in goals with seven despite not having a goal in the series.
(Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire)
The Canadiens Story
Montreal has managed to defy the odds and win games despite not putting a lot of shots on goal in the playoffs. The Habs managed to get past the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Buffalo Sabres despite not putting a lot of volume on net. However, the Canadiens will need to change that if they want to tie the series.
Dobes has been solid and kept Montreal in games that most teams would usually have no business winning. The 24-year-old has a 2.50 goals-against-average and a .910 save percentage so far and he’s done his part for the Habs.
Defencemen have paced Montreal in this run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Both of their goals on Monday night were scored by defenders Mike Matheson and Lane Hutson. The latter is second behind Nick Suzuki for the team’s lead in points.
Prediction
Montreal has been living dangerously so far in the postseason. However, the Canadiens are going to need to take some of the pressure off of their young Czech goalie. Montreal will also have the Bell Centre crowd behind them. However, Carolina in an experienced team that wants to get a dominating 3-1 series lead. Despite this, Montreal will even up the series.
Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Hurricanes vs Canadiens is 5.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Cole Caufield to score for Montreal. On the Carolina side of things, take Stankoven to finally break through with a goal.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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