Free Picks: Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes

The end is near. The regular season is approaching its final game, but the Predators and Hurricanes prepare for one last game. Monday night, I double down as I look at great value and even better return as Nashville plays host to Carolina. Ready for a playoff battle, will my pick turn into straight cash?

The NHL playoff picture is almost set, but one thing is for certain: The Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators will meet in the opening round of the playoffs. Monday night, we’ll get to see an official playoff preview when these teams go head-to-head. 

This season, the Predators are a measly 1-5-1 against the Hurricanes, scoring only 12 goals in 7 total games. Carolina has dominated Nashville all season long – but will that trend continue? Nashville took down the Hurricanes on Saturday, but that hasn’t impacted NHL regular season odds. 

As expected, the Hurricanes are the favorites entering this game. While I think the Moneyline is a solid pick for this game, I also believe goal scoring will be hard to come by. 

For this free NHL pick, I am going to double down. Something I haven’t done all season. 

Straight up, the Hurricanes are better than the Predators – there is no debate there. However, I think this will be a low-scoring game. I think the risk is worth the reward, especially looking at potential return. 

Head-to-head, Carolina, and Nashville have been relatively high-scoring. Neither team has tallied a shutout and both teams have been able to score in their respective meetings. 

But with this being the last game of the regular season for both teams, I see lots of rest for top players. Carolina and Nashville cannot afford to lose anyone in a meaningless game, so expect both teams to be extra cautious on Monday. 

On top of that, the Hurricanes and Predators are ranked highly in defensive categories. Carolina is one of the best defensive teams in the NHL according to goals against, while the Preds are in the middle.  

I wouldn’t say either team is terrible on defense, which makes taking the under a lot more promising. 

With both teams being careful Monday night, I want to double down. I think Carolina will take the game, but I also see this contest as a slow, drawn-out game.

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina’s last 6 games.  
• 5 of the Hurricanes’ 7 games in May have been UNDER in total goals. 
• Carolina are 6-1 SU playing on the road against Nashville in last 7 games. 
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville’s last 5 games playing as the underdog.