Carolina Hurricanes (45-15-8) vs Minnesota Wild (41-20-5)
Game Info: Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 7:00 pm (PNC Arena)
Betting Odds: Carolina Hurricanes -164 / Minnesota Wild +134 --- Over/Under: 5.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Carolina Hurricanes host the Minnesota Wild in Saturday NHL Action.
The Minnesota Wild come into this road contest with an overall record of 41-20-5. Through 66 games, the Wild are 2nd in the Central Division. On the season, they have found the net 244 times, good for a rank of 4th among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Minnesota is the 18th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 3.08 goals per game. So far, the Wild have a strength of schedule rating of 23rd in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 8th ranked team in the NHL.
The Carolina Hurricanes get set to host the Minnesota Wild with an overall record of 45-15-8. This mark places them 1st in the Metropolitan division. Through 68 games, the Hurricanes have scored 229 goals, giving them an average of 3.35. This output gives them a rank of 9th among NHL teams.On defense, Carolina is the 1st ranked unit, giving up 2.34 goals per contest. So far, the Hurricanes have played the 19th toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account Carolina's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 3rd in the NHL.
Through 65 games, the Minnesota Wild goal and overall scoring leader is Kirill Kaprizov with 83 points. He has reached his mark of 38 goals, on a shooting percentage of 16.0%. So far, 26.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Mats Zuccarello, who has 48 assists to go along with his 19 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +19.0. Minnesota's top goalie is Cam Talbot, who is giving up an average of 2.83 goals per game. In his 42 games played, he has turned in 24 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Through 65 games, the Carolina Hurricanes' goal and overall scoring leader is Sebastian Aho, with 68 points. He has reached his mark of 31 goals, on a shooting percentage of 16.7%. So far, 42.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Andrei Svechnikov, who has 33 assists to go along with his 27 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +16.0. Carolina's top goalie is Frederik Andersen, who is giving up an average of 2.0 goals per game. In his 46 games played, he has turned in 28 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Throughout the season, the Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the best teams at home, winning by an average margin of 1 goal per game. In addition, they are one of the NHL's best teams during 5 on 5 time, averaging a shooting percentage of over 8%. Look for the Hurricanes to continue their strong play with a win over the Wild.
Joe’s Pick Hurricanes -164
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
Follow Joe Kiemen on Twitter @PickDawgz