Monthly Archives: May 2024
Canucks Show Familiar Resilience vs. Oilers in Game 1
NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Predators
Hurricanes to pepper Shesterkin in Game 3
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We put together another 1-2 card Wednesday night, which feels very disappointing given how the games played out.
The Canucks scored five goals but Quinn Hughes - their assists leader - didn't pick one up despite logging more than 25 minutes of ice. Matthew Tkachuk also put forth a shotless performance in a dominant performance by the Panthers in which they recorded 18 more shots than the Bruins. Go figure.
Thankfully, Evan Bouchard came through with an assist to help us avoid a reverse sweep.
Let's dive into my favorite plays for Thursday's card as we look to rebound.
Seth Jarvis: Over 0.5 points
Jarvis has hit another gear offensively of late, picking up 13 points over his last 10 games.
He's been unstoppable on home ice thus far, recording six playoff points through just three contests in Carolina.
Of course, the Rangers are a different beast than the Islanders, but I like Jarvis' chances of staying hot in Game 3.
Through two outings, the Hurricanes generated 3.5 expected goals and 28 scoring chances with Jarvis on the ice. That's only amounted to one Hurricanes goal, which the young forward got in on.
With a big dose of five-on-five ice time - not to mention a juicy role on the top power-play unit - Jarvis is put in the best positions to create offense.
Perhaps with the help of an empty net, I think the Hurricanes score three-plus goals en route to a Game 3 win. If that's the case, I like Jarvis' chances of getting involved.
Odds: -140 (playable to -150)
Igor Shesterkin: Over 29.5 saves
Shesterkin has insane home/road splits. He's gone over this total just 19% of the time at Madison Square Garden, a stark contrast from his 45% away hit rate.
Over his last 10 road dates, Shesterkin's averaged 31 saves, which includes a pair of contests against a lifeless Capitals squad.
The Hurricanes are a different story. They just put up a 42-shot regulation performance against the Rangers.
Their Game 1 numbers were much lower, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. They attempted 72 shots but couldn't find a way to get them to the net.
The Canes are back home now and will control the matchups, which is a plus. They're also completely desperate. Down 0-2, this contest is essentially do-or-die for the Hurricanes. I expect them to put their best foot forward and throw everything but the kitchen sink at Shesterkin.
I wouldn't be surprised if he puts up 35-plus saves in regulation alone.
Odds: -125 (playable to -145)
Wyatt Johnston: Over 0.5 points
Johnston had a great regular season and has taken things up a notch in the playoffs. He leads all Stars forwards in five-on-five ice time and he's taking full advantage of it.
He's produced eight points through as many games and has been the Stars' biggest offensive threat by a country mile. Johnston has 15 more shot attempts and 18 more scoring chances than his next closest teammates.
The expected goals numbers might be even crazier: Johnston has piled up 5.7 expected goals, and Tyler Seguin slots below him with 2.56. That's an insane gap.
With five points through five home contests, Johnston is poised to make an impact in a crucial Game 2 versus the Avalanche.
Odds: -145 (playable to -155)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.
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Hurricanes turning to Kochetkov for Game 3
The Carolina Hurricanes will start goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov for Thursday's crucial Game 3 against the New York Rangers, head coach Rod Brind'Amour announced.
Frederik Andersen had started every Carolina playoff game this year before the switch. He went 4-1 with a .912 save percentage against the New York Islanders in Round 1 but has allowed eight goals in two losses to open the series against the Rangers while counterpart Igor Shesterkin has shined.
Kochetkov was Carolina's most-used goaltender this season with 40 starts, but he took a back seat to Andersen after the veteran returned from a blood clotting issue that sidelined him for most of the campaign.
Kochetkov was 23-13-4 with four shutouts and a .911 save percentage in the regular season. He's 1-3 lifetime in the playoffs with an .858 clip.
Puck drop for Game 3 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET with New York leading the series 2-0.
Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.