Carolina at Montreal

Montreal scored 12 goals in the first two games to surprise Carolina and claim a commanding 2-0 lead. But, Carolina answered on Wednesday with great defense, winning 1-2. Their backs remain against the wall here as they cannot afford to go down 3-1. A win evens the series and gives them home ice advantage again. In 10 games now thus far this season in which Carolina is a road favorite of up to -150, they have won nine. Despite the first two losses, the Hurricanes are getting shots. They have averaged 42 shots per game so far. They just haven't been going in. But, I expect more to start dropping as they averaged 11.3% SOG during the season. The fact that only 6.5% have gone in thus far in the series I chalk up to a bit of a fluke. Things should return closer to normal as the series wears on and if they can get that percentage up to even 8 or 9%, they will win games. It was no fluke that this team averaged 3.6 goals per game during the regular season. Carolina is in need here and should get the win.