Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 1: Prediction & Best Bets

This year's Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 takes place with Montreal Canadiens heading to the Lenovo Center to face Carolina Hurricanes, with puck drop set for 8 pm ET Thursday.

The Canadiens successfully took another seven-game series to the brink before attaining a 4-3 series victory against the Sabres, as they reached the Conference Finals for the first time since 2014.

After receiving a devastating 8-3 loss at home against Buffalo in game six, Montreal took to the road and Alex Newhook wristed home a 3-2 OT game-winner after the Canadiens dropped a 2-0 lead early on.

The Canes are deservedly back at the same stage in the playoffs as they were last year and have rested their bones for 11 days straight now after sweeping the Flyers 4-0 in round two of the postseason.

This marks two full sweeps in a row for the Canes in both rounds one and two of the playoffs this year.

Now, they've won their last eight straight in the playoffs (nine straight including the last game of the regular season), as they defend their home arena as considerable favourites in Game 1.

Canadiens vs. Hurricanes betting picks and predictions

Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (+130)

While many of the Canes' results have been close, they've covered a -1.5 spread in half their playoff games so far this year.

They've also had a completely different path to the finals than their opponents, winning both their series in four games, whereas it's taken Montreal seven games in both series.

The Canadiens are looking solid, covering the +1.5 spread 11 times out of 14 games, but the Canes continue their postseason with their dangerous offense (296 regular-season goals for, most in the East), reliable defense and goaltender (240 goals allowed, second lowest in the East).

Considering the Canes are on an absolute roll and are at home for their opener against Montreal, it's not looking like they'll lose this one.

If they can get at least four here, they'll certainly rely on the defense that has only allowed seven goals in the last five games to help them cover the -1.5 spread.

Under 5.5 (-120)

The Canes have yet to see their final scoreline exceed six total goals this postseason, with their highest scoring game (six goals) back against the Senators on April 25.

Game 1 against the Lightning and games three, five, and six against the Sabres were the only matchups for the Canadiens out of 14 playoff games that saw over six goals hit.

All things considered, especially with the Canes' sound results, this one's likely to hit the under 5.5.

Logan Stankoven to score any time (+190)

After finishing the regular season with 21 goals and 23 assists, the Canes' valuable center Logan Stankoven attained the highest goal per game ratio with seven in eight played so far.

The 5’8” Canadian enters the ice after scoring in every game in round one against the Senators, netting three against the Flyers, including in his last game on May 9. 

With four goals in his last five, expect Stankoven to be the difference-maker here to help Carolina gain the lead with a goal anytime during this matchup.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.

Canadiens vs. Hurricanes odds

Canadiens	+170
Hurricanes	-205
Puck Line	CAR Hurricanes -1.5
Total	O/U 5.5

Canadiens vs. Hurricanes player props

Anytime goalscorer

Cole Caufield (MTL Canadiens)	+185
Logan Stankoven (CAR Hurricanes)	+190
Seth Jarvis (CAR Hurricanes)	+195
Andrei Svechnikov (CAR Hurricanes)	+205
Nick Suzuki (MTL Canadiens)	+215
Sebastian Aho (CAR Hurricanes)	+220

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.