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After a stinging 6-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the Carolina Hurricanes (2-1-0, 5th in Metropolitan Division) are looking to get back in the win column as they face off against the San Jose Sharks (0-1-1, 5th in Pacific Division), who are also licking their wounds after a 2-1 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Hurricanes Look to Weather the Storm

Coming off a 6-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks,  the Carolina Hurricanes are eager to correct the course. The spotlight will be on Teuvo Teravainen, who has already netted four goals this season. His performance could be the linchpin for a Hurricanes offense that needs to fire on all cylinders. Eight other skaters for the Hurricanes have each scored one goal. Brady Skjei and Tony DeAngelo are the team leaders in assists with three apiece. However, the real concern lies in their defensive zone. In their last outing, they allowed six goals, a statistic they can't afford to repeat.

I think the goaltending situation is worth noting. Frederik Andersen, likely to start, has a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.84 and a save percentage (SV%) of .867. These numbers indicate room for improvement, and this matchup against the Sharks could be a turning point for him. Antti Raanta, the backup, isn't faring much better with a GAA of 4.04 and an SV% of .826. The Canes need their netminders to step up, especially when the defense falters. Effective power plays and penalty kills can swing momentum, and the Hurricanes need to be prepared for a Sharks team that will be equally hungry for a win. In summary, the Hurricanes need a balanced attack, solid goaltending, and disciplined play to secure a victory.

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Sharks Aim to Bite Back

The San Jose Sharks are in a similar boat as the Hurricanes, looking to rebound from a 2-1 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The standout player in that game was undoubtedly Mackenzie Blackwood, who made a staggering 51 saves in his team debut. With a goals against average (GAA) of 0.92 and a save percentage (SV%) of .981, Blackwood is already setting the bar high for himself and will be crucial in the Sharks' defensive scheme.

Offensively, the Sharks have a new star on the rise—Thomas Bordeleau. He scored his first NHL goal in the last game and will be keen to add to his tally. However, the Sharks need more from their experienced players. Scoring one goal for the Sharks through two games are Filip Zadina and Thomas Bordeleau. Four players for the Sharks have each tallied one assist. The Sharks have just two goals, one in each game, in their first two games of the season. 

Special teams could be a deciding factor in this matchup, their performance in these situations will be pivotal. The Sharks need a complete team effort, from Blackwood's goaltending to contributions from both young and veteran players, to clinch this game. Thus far San Jose has not scored a power play goal, but the Sharks are 100% in their penalty kill situations. 

Best Bets

Full-Game Side Bet

Rating:

The Carolina Hurricanes are the team to back in this matchup, and here's why. They're coming off a loss and will be highly motivated to get back in the win column. Teuvo Teravainen, with four goals this season, is in prime form and will be a significant offensive threat. The Hurricanes have also shown resilience in bouncing back from losses, making them a reliable pick in this situation. Frederik Andersen, despite a GAA of 3.84 and an SV% of .867, is an experienced goalie capable of turning things around. The Hurricanes' balanced attack and the potential for solid goaltending make them a strong bet. They'll be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Sharks' defense and capitalize on special teams. In summary, the Hurricanes have the offensive firepower and the defensive capabilities to secure a win in this matchup.

Take Carolina with the money line.

Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes (-110)

Full-Game Total Pick

Rating:

If you're looking at the Over/Under, the Over 5.5 is the way to go. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in their defensive play, making a high-scoring game likely. The Hurricanes allowed six goals in their last outing, and while they'll be looking to tighten up defensively, the Sharks will be eager to capitalize. Teuvo Teravainen for the Hurricanes and Thomas Bordeleau for the Sharks are both in scoring form, adding more fuel to the fire for a high-scoring affair. With both teams needing a win, expect an open, attacking game with plenty of scoring opportunities.

The Over 5.5 offers excellent value and is the confident pick for this matchup.

Prediction: Over 5.5

From an early age, Justin knew he would be involved with sports in some way shape, or form. Justin played baseball in high school as well as basketball. He also coached basketball during summer vacations for local recreational organizations throughout high school. In college, he began writing for the school newspaper, both news articles as well as sports but soon discovered sports was his vocation. For the last seven years, he has written sports editorials for both hard copy newspapers as well as online sites and has now joined our team here at StatSalt. He has a deep passion for breaking down the games and also being on them. Be sure and follow along with Justin on a daily basis as he will point you in the right way.