Vegas (29-12-3) at Carolina (26-16-3)
- When: Jan 17 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Lenovo Center, Lenovo Center
- TV: FDSSO
Game Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes are slight Moneyline favorites (-150) as they prepare to host the Vegas Golden Knights in a Friday night showdown with the total set at 6.0. Both teams are looking to rebound after recent stumbles, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.
Team Analysis and Recent Form:
Carolina Hurricanes:
The Hurricanes enter this game on a two-game losing streak, including a disappointing 4-2 loss to the struggling Buffalo Sabres. Their inability to start games strongly has been a recurring issue, conceding the first goal in six of their last seven outings. Coach Rod Brind’Amour emphasized the need for urgency, especially against a Vegas team boasting one of the league’s best records. Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to return in goal after serving as a backup in Buffalo. Carolina has been solid at home during this stretch and will look to leverage the crowd to avoid their second three-game skid of the season.
Vegas Golden Knights:
The Golden Knights have hit a rough patch, losing three of their last four, including a lackluster 5-3 defeat to the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Coach Bruce Cassidy called the team’s first 30 minutes in that game “the poorest we’ve played,” signaling some concern about recent performances. Despite the slump, Pavel Dorofeyev has been a bright spot, tallying five goals over the past two games, including his first career hat trick. Vegas is at full strength for the first time in a while, which could lead to experimentation with line combinations. They have been decent on the road this season but face a tough task in Raleigh.
Betting Trends:
The Hurricanes are 19-5-2 at home, showcasing strong form at PNC Arena.
The Golden Knights are 11-6-3 on the road, solid but not unbeatable.
Carolina has won five of the last seven meetings against Vegas, including a 5-2 victory earlier this season.
Vegas is 1-3 in its last four games, while Carolina has been inconsistent but competitive at home.
Predictions and Props:
Moneyline Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-150)
Carolina’s home dominance and Vegas’ recent struggles, particularly on defense, give the Hurricanes the edge. Expect a more focused effort from Carolina after back-to-back losses.
Total Prediction: Under 6.0
Both teams have been shaky offensively in recent games, and Carolina’s defensive structure should limit Vegas’ chances. This has the makings of a low-scoring contest.
Prop Bets:
Pavel Dorofeyev to score (+300): Riding a hot streak, Dorofeyev is a good bet to find the net again.
First period under 1.5 goals (-105): Carolina’s slow starts and Vegas’ recent inconsistency could lead to a quiet opening period.
Jaccob Slavin over 0.5 points (+140): Slavin has been more active offensively and could contribute to a goal or assist.
Score Prediction:
Carolina 3, Vegas 2
The Hurricanes bounce back at home, with solid goaltending from Kochetkov and timely scoring from their forwards. Vegas will keep it close but fall short in a defensive battle.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
