The Carolina Hurricanes are making some noise in the Metro, but have to keep winning to stay in the playoff hunt. Here’s how they do it tonight.
What a time to be alive in Raleigh, NC! All of the college classes are cancelled today due to snow on February 20th. Man, if the Canes ever get an outdoor game at Carter Finley, they should have the game on that day maybe!!
Today is gameday for the Carolina Hurricanes, and there could not be a worse time to have extreme anxiety than now as the playoff race heats up. The Canes are doing all they can, and actually getting some help, but have to keep winning.
So how do the Canes win tonight? I’m glad you asked! There are some studs to put all the money on, and a few guys that might have found their sea legs lately so let’s dive in and make our fantasy picks for tonight!
1. The SAT Line
Sebastian Aho is riding a 10-game point streak, Andrei Svechnikov is riding an 8-game point streak, and Teuvo Teravainen has 13 points in the last 13 games.
Both Aho and Svechnikov are each 2 games away form tying their personal point streak records. Aho is still on the chase to 45 goals – he only needs 11 more, and we still have 23 games to play (not including playoffs)! It’s no longer a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’ Aho will break this record.
Svechnikov is now in 3rd place on the team for scoring, and I’m sure he doesn’t like that. Teravainen is also only one assist away from 10th overall in the NHL in assists. You have to think this line will be hungry tonight.
At this point in the season, you would be lucky to have just one of these guys on your fantasy team. So if you have one, start them. If you can get one or two, do whatever it takes, it’s worth it.
2. Nino Niederreiter
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Nino has been in a lot of trade talks, he hasn’t lived up to last year, etc. Just hang in there with him!
In the last 3 games, Nino has 2 goals and an assist, all at home actually. I’m not sure if Rod finally broke him or if he loves to play with Martin Necas, but he has found quite a groove as of late. This would be a good pick to put in an empty spot to get a few extra points tonight.
3. Justin Williams
On paper, Williams seemed to slow down a little in his offensive production. The eye test said different. The biggest reason is that shootout goals (he has 3) don’t count as goals on the stat sheet. The hustle and the heart are there, and last game the points were there too.
Williams is once again working on the powerplay, which is almost guaranteed to net more points in fantasy. The goals will eventually fall for Williams and those around him. He wants to win; heck he wants to win it all, so he’s going to do whatever it takes.
Canes Playoff Push
The Carolina Hurricanes got a little help from non-Metro teams last night in this wild playoff race. But, thanks to Philly and Columbus going to OT, the Canes fall to WC2 heading into tonight’s game.
In order of importance tonight we need:
Canes > Rangers
Red Wings > Islanders (I know this is a long shot, but if the Wings want to do at least one thing right this season, it would be to win this).
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Odds and Lines
Let’s Get Statistical
- Record: 34-21-4
- On the road: 15-12-2
- At Home: 19-9-2
- Against current .500 or better teams: 18-14-2
- Against current .499 or worse teams: 16-7-2
Be sure to check out the betting odds and lines on The Action Network :
The Carolina Hurricanes are on a 3-game point streak, and deadly at home. They are the favorites as they rightfully should be. Also, be sure to take the over on level of awkward with Momma Staal being there in a Rangers jersey tonight.
Canes win 5-1.