The Ottawa Senators (44-27-11) and Carolina Hurricanes (53-22-7) meet in Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs today. Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m. EDT at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
The Hurricanes are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5 (140o / 112u). The Hurricanes are a -156 favorite to win outright, while the Senators are +130 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Senators vs. Hurricanes predictions and NHL picks.
Senators vs. Hurricanes Odds, Pick
| Senators Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -180 | 5.5 -140o / 112u | +130 |
| Hurricanes Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +146 | 5.5 -140o / 112u | -156 |
- Senators vs. Hurricanes Spread: Hurricanes -1.5 (+146), Senators +1.5 (-180)
- Senators vs. Hurricanes Over/Under: 5.5 (140o / 112u)
- Senators vs. Hurricanes Moneyline: Senators +130, Hurricanes -156
Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 Polymarket Odds
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Current odds: SEN 43% · HUR 57% · NHL
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Senators vs. Hurricanes Preview
Ottawa Senators
The Senators had one of the best offenses in hockey this season. Entering the playoffs, Ottawa ranks in the top 10 in goals scored per game, power play percentage and shooting percentage.
Ottawa's offensive success stems from their ability to generate high-danger scoring chances at a high rate. This season, Ottawa finished sixth in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
While the offense is expected to carry the team, goaltending remains a concern in this opening round, with Linus Ullmark projected to start. Through 49 starts this season, Ullmark has a .891 save percentage.
Carolina Hurricanes
Ullmark’s struggles could continue against a strong Hurricanes offense. In 12 career meetings, Ullmark is 3-6-1 with a .887 save percentage and a 3.70 goals-against average.
Carolina also had one of the most efficient offenses in hockey this season. Entering this matchup, the Hurricanes rank second in both goals scored per game and xGF/60.
However, Carolina’s goaltending situation remains uncertain entering the postseason. After Thursday’s practice, coach Rod Brind’Amour said the team has not named a starter for Game 1, with the decision between Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen.
Senators vs. Hurricanes Prediction
Regardless of the starter, neither goaltender should significantly limit scoring in Game 1. This season, neither finished with a save percentage above .895.
Andersen spent most of Thursday’s practice in the starter’s net, which could indicate he will get the nod. However, Bussi started each of the final two games of the regular season and may have had a lighter workload in practice as a result.
For the over, it may not matter. There have been six or more total goals scored in six of Bussi’s past eight starts and in nine of Andersen’s past 11 outings.
Pick: Over 5.5 (-140 | Play to -145, FanDuel)
