The Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes started the Eastern Conference Finals with a bang, combining for eight goals and seven unique scorers.
I'll be banking on three fresh faces finding the back of the net with my Canadiens vs. Hurricanes goal scorer predictions for Game 2.
Let's dig into my NHL picks for Saturday, May 23, and be sure to read our Canadiens vs. Hurricanes predictions for May 23.
Canadiens vs Hurricanes goal scorer predictions for Game 2
| Player to score | Odds |
|---|---|
 Sebastian Aho |
+210 |
 Nick Suzuki |
+245 |
| Andrei Svechnikov |
+195 |
| 💲Goal scorer parlay: Sebastian Aho, Nick Suzuki, Andrei Svechnikov | +1500 |
Goal scorer pick: Sebastian Aho (+210)
Sebastian Aho consistently generates shots at a higher clip against the Montreal Canadiens. He has averaged 6.2 shot attempts over the past 12 head-to-head meetings, and has combined for 28 through four matchups this year.
His speed makes him a threat off the rush, and he's willing to go to the high-danger areas Montreal struggles to defend.
Nearly half of his shot volume comes from the slot, and the Canadiens ranked 25th in shot slots allowed over their final 20 games of the season. They also sit dead last among all playoff teams in high-danger chances allowed per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
Carolina's No. 1 center should get a handful of looks at 5-on-5, and he's also a threat on both special teams units. I like him to score down to +195.
Goal scorer pick: Nick Suzuki (+245)
Nick Suzuki scored three goals over three regular season matchups against the Carolina Hurricanes and that is no coincidence. He averaged 3.3 shots on goal per game, well above his season average of 2.2.
Suzuki picked up where he left off in Game 1 of this series, recording four shots on goal and a team-leading three high-danger chances.
The Hurricanes play man-on-man defense, and the crafty Suzuki has a way of slipping defenders at the right time and making himself available around the net.
He'll test Carolina's goaltending, which could prove to be their Achilles Heel. There's value in backing Suzuki down to +230.
Goal scorer pick: Andrei Svechnikov (+195)
Andrei Svechnikov is a prime regression candidate. Carolina's designated goal-scoring winger leads the team with 60 shot attempts and 36 scoring chances through nine games yet he's found the back of the net only once.
He is shooting just 3.57%, miles below the 15.70% rate he converted at over 79 regular season games.
Svechnikov also averaged one goal per 7.67 chances generated and, again, has scored just once despite 36 scoring opportunities in the playoffs.
Playing top line and top power play, the chances will continue to be there against a Canadiens team giving up plenty of high-danger looks.
The dam will break sooner or later, and I like the spot as -200 home favorites in a game the Hurricanes have to win. Svechnikov is playable down to +180.
Canadiens vs Hurricanes anytime goal parlay (+1500)
- Sebastian Aho
- Nick Suzuki
- Andrei Svechnikov
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
