The Montreal Canadiens continue to create strong environments for offense. Six of their past nine games have featured 6+ goals, and five have been scored in nine consecutive contests.
The hope is for more of the same as the Eastern Conference Final shifts back to Montreal. Let's dive into my Hurricanes vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks for Game 3.
Hurricanes vs Canadiens goal scorer predictions for Game 3
| Player to score a goal | Odds |
|---|---|
 Nick Suzuki |
+225 |
 Jordan Staal |
+475 |
| Andrei Svechnikov |
+205 |
| 💲Goal scorer parlay: | +2250 |
Goal scorer pick: Nick Suzuki (+225)
Nick Suzuki has generated more shots on goal and high-danger chances than anybody on the Montreal Canadiens in this series. He's finding space to operate in tight, and Frederik Andersen has struggled mightily against shots coming from close proximity.
Andersen owns an alarming .583 high-danger save percentage in the third round, which is easily the worst of any goaltender.
He has looked very human after playing well above expectations over the first two rounds of the playoffs — perhaps coming down to earth against a legitimately strong finishing team.
Suzuki is averaging 1.65 shots per high-danger chance generated, a strong rate. He's a prime candidate to exploit Andersen's struggles, and I see value in playing him to +210.
Goal scorer pick: Jordan Staal (+475)
Jordan Staal leads the Carolina Hurricanes in expected goals and high-danger chances through two games.
He is generally thought of as a defense-first center, but he's been dangerous on offense while seeing surprisingly strong usage. Nobody on the Hurricanes has started more shifts than Staal in the offensive zone, nor has any forward taken more offensive zone draws.
Further to that, Staal saw some run on the top power play in Game 2. He logged 2:13 on PP1, spending ~50% of the time on the No. 1 unit — and he led the way with two high-danger chances in that time.
Seeing favorable usage and generating high-danger looks at an efficient rate, Staal is a real threat to score. He's mispriced at +475, and I'd back him to +390.
Goal scorer pick: Andrei Svechnikov (+205)
The Hurricanes have generated 19 scoring chances at 5-on-5 with Andrei Svechnikov on the ice, most of any forward on the roster.
A lot of that has gone through him. Svechnikov has accounted for eight of the 19 chances through two games, meaning 42% of the on-ice opportunities have come off his stick.
Including the entire playoffs, Svechnikov has recorded a team-leading 67 shot attempts and 41 scoring chances yet found the back of the net only once.
He is a high-end shooter and is coming off the most clinical finishing season of his career. It's just not realistic for him to continue to pile up the chances each night and come away with nothing to show for it.
I see value in him to score in Montreal and would bet him at +190.
Hurricanes vs Canadiens anytime goal parlay (+2250)
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.
