Carolina Hurricanes (14-9-1) vs. Vancouver Canucks (16-9-1)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vancouver Canucks 12/9/23 – The Carolina Hurricanes take on the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday in a battle between playoff hopefuls. With just two points separating these teams, this game could have significant playoff seeding implications down the road. As fans look for NHL free advice, this encounter between two formidable teams is a perfect showcase of skill and strategy.
The Hurricanes have struggled offensively recently, averaging just 2.4 goals over their last five games. Sebastian Aho leads Carolina with 22 points, but he’s scored only 2 goals in his last eight games. The Canucks offense presents a tough matchup, led by J.T. Miller’s 39 points. Vancouver is scoring 3.7 goals per game over their last five. Carolina’s defense and goaltending must step up.
Meanwhile, Vancouver’s defense has held opponents to 2.4 goals against over the past five games. Thatcher Demko has been excellent with a .917 save percentage. Carolina is generating only 28.6 shots on goal per game this season. For the Hurricanes to get their offense going, Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas need to capitalize on their chances against Demko.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vancouver Canucks Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Rogers Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Antti Raanta vs. Goaltender Thatcher Demko
Antti Raanta has struggled mightily for the Hurricanes this season. Through 12 starts, Raanta has managed just 6 wins alongside a brutal 3.33 GAA and .863 save percentage. He has faced a heavy workload too, seeing over 35 shots against per 60 minutes. That sustained pressure has taken its toll. Carolina allows the second most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, putting Raanta in constant disadvantageous situations. Against a deep Vancouver offense, those trends are deeply concerning. If Raanta can’t limit the odd-man rushes and backdoor tap-ins Vancouver feasts on, this game will get out of hand quickly. Carolina needs Raanta to channel his best form, maintain composure under duress, and give his team a chance.
On the other side, Thatcher Demko continues to prove himself as an elite goalie this season. Among qualified starters, Demko’s .917 save percentage ranks top 10 league-wide. Equally impressive, he has won 12 of 19 starts for a conference-best .632 win percentage. Demko faces just 29.1 shots per 60 minutes too, benefitting from Vancouver’s strong team defense. The Canucks limit high-danger scoring chances better than almost any team, allowing Demko to thrive even when heavily tested. With Carolina managing a paltry 28.6 shots on net per game this year, Demko matches up well to continue his excellent run. Moving forward, he provides Vancouver with the type of game-stealing goaltending all contenders covet this time of year.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The current betting odds for the game are still to be determined. However, bettors should keep an eye on the evolving odds, as they will provide valuable insights into the expected performance of both teams. It’s essential to consider these odds in conjunction with the team’s recent performances and individual player statistics for informed betting decisions.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Trends
The trends clearly favor taking Vancouver to cover in this matchup. Carolina’s offense has gone cold while their defense and goaltending remain unreliable. Even with Rogers Arena having lower scoring historically, the Canucks offense should outpace whatever the Hurricanes manage.
Vancouver Canucks Betting Trends
Vancouver enters play on a 4-1 ATS run behind an offense that almost no team has been able to slow down lately. Carolina might present their toughest defensive test in a while, but Miller & Co. should still be able to put up enough goals. The Canucks own one of the league’s best home ice advantages too.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vancouver Canucks 12/9/23 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this match-up seems tilted slightly in favor of the Vancouver Canucks, mainly due to their strong home game performance and offensive firepower. However, the unpredictability of NHL games means the Hurricanes, with their talented roster, cannot be discounted entirely.
For bettors, the safer pick might be the Canucks, especially considering their recent form and home advantage. Prop bets on individual player performances, such as Miller or Aho, could be interesting. The over/under on total goals could also be a compelling bet, given the offensive capabilities of both teams. Including Premium parlays could enhance the betting experience with potentially higher returns.
Free Pick and Prediction: Vancouver Canucks 4, Carolina Hurricanes 2