Carolina Hurricanes vs Vegas Golden Knights Odds
The Vegas Golden Knights (35-19-6) hope to rebound from just their second shutout loss of the season when they host the Carolina Hurricanes (39-11-8) on Wednesday as small home underdogs. The Golden Knights were blanked 3-0 by the Colorado Avalanche as +125 road underdogs on Monday, losing for the third time in four games following a five-game winning streak. The Hurricanes are also coming off a setback after putting together a five-game win streak, falling 3-2 to the Anaheim Ducks as massive -500 home favorites on Saturday, only their second loss in 14 games.
Latest Betting Notes: Hurricanes
Carolina finally made a trade to help the team Tuesday, acquiring winger Jesse Puljujarvi from the Edmonton Oilers for prospect Patrik Puistola. The move to get the 2016 No. 4 overall pick in the NHL draft gives him a second chance to fulfill his potential with a very good team competing for a Stanley Cup but one that could definitely use his offensive skills.
The Oilers were not getting the most out of Puljujarvi, and the 24-year-old Swede might find a change of scenery to be just what he needs at this stage of his career. That said, his numbers this year (five goals and nine assists for 14 points) leave a lot to be desired, so it will be up to the Hurricanes to help him maximize his talent and abilities. They may not be done dealing either, as they continue to push hard for their second Cup.
Latest Betting Notes: Golden Knights
Vegas played its first game with newly acquired center Ivan Barbashev at Colorado, and his immediate impact was modest with one shot, one hit and one blocked shot in 16:40 of ice time while playing mostly alongside Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault on the top line.
Barbashev was traded to the Golden Knights from the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, and head coach Bruce Cassidy was very familiar with him from his days leading the Boston Bruins when their teams met in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final.
Like Carolina, Vegas may not be done dealing yet, as the team looks for forward depth with captain Mark Stone still out indefinitely following back surgery. The Golden Knights have scored two goals or less in their last nine losses, so offense – or a lack thereof – remains a glaring concern.
The Keys to Victory: Hurricanes
Carolina is the second-best defensive team in the NHL behind only the Boston Bruins, who lead the league by giving up just 2.09 goals per game. The Hurricanes are right behind them at 2.55 even though their save percentage is ranked 13th at .909.
However, Carolina has allowed the fewest shots at 26.4 per game, and that should be the difference in this matchup with Vegas. The Golden Knights average nearly 33 per game to rank seventh, and if held in check, they will struggle to score like they have the past few games.
The Keys to Victory: Golden Knights
Vegas is in a very difficult spot from a goaltending perspective, with regular starter Logan Thompson on injured reserve and considered week-to-week while Laurent Brossoit has joined him on IR after playing in three consecutive games that were decided following regulation time.
That leaves Adin Hill as the man between the pipes for the Golden Knights, and he is really the biggest key to victory. Hill has looked good in some games and bad in others, so it will be up to him to come through and give them a chance to win.
