Ottawa has a +32 goal differential, the fourth-best in the Eastern Conference. The offense is eighth in the NHL in goals scored (3.35 per game) and 10th in power-play percentage. The defense is 13th in goals allowed per game (2.99). They open the playoffs on a 21-10 run. Carolina's offense ranks 18th in shooting percentage, while the defense is 26th in save percentage (.885). These teams play similar styles and match up evenly, with Carolina second in the NHL in 5-on-5 expected goals (55.89%) and Ottawa third (54.39%). Ottawa has won three of the last five meetings, including a 6-3 victory two weeks ago as an underdog. Play Ottawa.
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