The Carolina Hurricanes (48-19-8) travel to meet the Colorado Avalanche (54-14-6) at Ball Arena Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Hurricanes vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Hurricanes were humbled 3-0 at home Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings and former backstop Alex Nedeljkovic, snapping a two-game win streak.
The Avalanche have picked up at least one point in each of the past 10 games, going 9-0-1. Colorado has won four straight games against Eastern Conference opponents since a 2-0 loss at Carolina in the first meeting March 10.
Hurricanes at Avalanche odds, spread and lines
- Money line: Hurricanes +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Avalanche -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes +1.5 (-230) | Avalanche -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)
Hurricanes at Avalanche projected goalies
Frederik Andersen (35-13-3, 2.07 GAA, .926 SV%, 4 SO) vs. Darcy Kuemper (35-9-3, 2.38 GAA, .926 SV%, 5 SO)
Andersen has won each of his past two starts, allowing 4 total goals on 55 shots. The offense has managed just 13 total goals across his past five outings. He will make his first start against the Avalanche after backup G Antti Raanta posted a shutout in the first meeting.
Kuemper has won five straight starts in regulation since his last setback March 27 at the Minnesota Wild. He is 4-0-0 with a 2.46 GAA and .940 SV% through four April starts.
Money line
The AVALANCHE (-135) are a solid value on home ice in this battle of teams with triple-digit points. Colorado was dropped 2-0 on the road in the first meeting in March. Look for the Avs to pay back the Canes, who have dropped four of their last seven games.
Colorado has rattled off 50 victories in its last 59 games at home while going an impressive 48-13 in its last 61 when favored.
Against the spread
The Hurricanes +1.5 (-230) will cost you nearly two and a half times your potential return for a little insurance, and that’s risky business. If you like Carolina, just take them straight up.
PASS.
UNDER 6.5 (-140) is the best play on the board here. We had just 2 total goals in the first meeting, and none until the third period.
The Under is 17-7-3 in the past 27 games as underdogs for the Hurricanes, while the Under is 6-2 in the past eight home games for the Avalanche and 11-5 in their last 16 games overall.
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