Published Jan 7, 3:46am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jan 7, 3:46am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jan 7, 3:46am ET
Teams in contrasting recent form will collide at PNC Arena on Jan 8, as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Anaheim Ducks. Find the picks for the clash here.
The Penguins bring excellent form into this round of games after winning each of their last two. A third straight win could see them extend their advantage in the Metropolitan Division.
It has been a miserable period in the NHL for the Ducks, and they come into this round of games following a run of seven straight defeats.
The Carolina Hurricanes will bring excellent confidence into this round of games following a run of two straight wins.
That run of form has lifted the Canes up to first in the Metropolitan Division, and they have an eye-catching overall record of 26-14-3 from their opening 43 games at the start of the season. Offensively, they have been excellent to this point, scoring 147 goals.
The Hurricanes produced an offensively strong performance in their latest outing to power to a 6-3 win over the Dallas Stars. K’Andre Miller was among the stars of the show, scoring twice and registering one assist for the Canes.
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There will be increased pressure on the Anaheim Ducks this week, as they have been in free fall in the Western Conference.
They come into this clash after losing each of their last seven, meaning only the Winnipeg Jets are currently on a longer losing run. The Ducks have dropped to sixth in the Pacific Division, and they only narrowly have a winning overall record this season.
Furthermore, the Ducks currently have the worst defensive record in the Pacific Division, having allowed 158 goals. Their most recent loss was suffered against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.
| TOTAL | Ducks | Hurricanes | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 49 | 27 | 20 | - |
| GOALS | 280 | 138 | 142 |
The Hurricanes have won the last two meetings between these teams, and there is little evidence to suggest that a third straight victory won’t be achieved on Thursday. The Canes bring the better recent form to the table, while the Ducks have struggled defensively throughout the campaign.
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Pick
Carolina Hurricanes
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