Published May 19, 4:35am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 19, 4:35am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated May 19, 4:35am ET
The pressure increases on teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this week, as the Eastern Conference Finals get underway when the Carolina Hurricanes host the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canes will be well-rested after having over ten days since booking their spot in the finals, while the Habs booked their progression following a captivating Game 7 decider against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday.
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|---|---|
| Hurricanes | -191 |
| Canadiens | +167 |
There is little doubt that the Carolina Hurricanes have been the standout team in the Eastern Conference playoffs. After winning the Metropolitan Division, the franchise have been perfect in the postseason, sweeping clashes against the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers.
In the previous round, they were forced to show their character with two overtime wins, while their offensive quality also shone with eleven goals scored in regulation. Logan Stankoven has been a common scorer for the Canes throughout the playoffs, netting a team-high seven.
It has been an excellent season for the Montreal Canadiens, and for the second series running, they upset the odds in the Second Round. The Habs produced a moment of magic to secure the overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres, with Alex Newhook, Phillip Danault, and Zachary Bolduc scoring the goals in the win.
Fatigue could yet play a role in the Eastern Conference Finals, as the Habs have been forced to Game 7s in both of the previous rounds against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Sabres.
| TOTAL | Hurricanes | Canadiens | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reguation WINS | 259 | 101 | 138 | - |
| GOALS | 1623 | 741 | 882 |
The Habs may be sharper than the Hurricanes after playing more regularly, but that will only likely ensure a closer encounter between the sides in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite that, we fully expect the Canes to seize control of the series with a narrow victory.
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Pick
Carolina Hurricanes (-191)
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