NHL: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Picks and Odds | May 21, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Thu May 21, 2026, 8:15 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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We have our Eastern Conference Finals matchup set. The Montreal Canadiens will take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Montreal swept the season series 3-0 which will be interesting to see if that translates over in the playoffs.
Montreal just finished a seven-game series vs. the Buffalo Sabres. That series was wild, with a lot of blow outs. Buffalo took the first game of the series for the Canadians to win the next two. The Sabres tied the series at two after winning game four in Montreal.
POD Sneak Peak: Game Total Over 5.5 Goals (-130)
Keep reading for analysis!
From there, the Canadiens really showed out and won two games in Buffalo to take the series. Game seven went to overtime to settle it in the end after all the blow outs. It was a great series and hats off to Buffalo for a great season.
This team is hungry and will look to carry over their season play vs. Carolina into the playoffs. They had the Canes number this year and if they can do it again, then they're in trouble. Carolina has been unstoppable so far, so we're in for a show.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Carolina will try to continue their winning streak in ECF
Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall takes a shot on Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes in a regular season game this year.
The Hurricanes have been flawless these playoffs. They are 8-0 so far, sweeping both the first and second rounds. Carolina has looked fantastic and I expect more of the same from them.
We can't not talk about their best thing right now and that's goaltender Freddy Andersen. He has 8 wins with a 1.12 GAA and a .950 save percentage. This is a guy who had a 3.50 GAA and split his time with another goalie who killed it all year. Hats off to Freddy.
Their offense has been super explosive and has had their defense really holding it down. They're averaging 2-3 goals per game and had scored 4 in two games, but it's been the defense supporting Andersen.
They've been on a lot of rest, so we don't know which team we'll get. My gut says we get the sharp Hurricanes we've been seeing. Let's check out the odds and get into the Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 1 picks.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes Betting Odds and Game Information
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Betting Odds – May 21
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | +1.5 (-155) | +165 | Over 5.5 (-130) |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -1.5 (+130) | -195 | Under 5.5 (+110) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game Information
- Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
- Date: Thursday May 21, 2026
- Puck Drop: 8 p.m. EST
- TV: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max
Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes Picks and Prediction
Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki wraps up with Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis.
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Picks and Predictions: Game Total Over 5.5 Games (-130) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
During the regular season, two of the three games they played went over. The Canadiens score 5+ goals in those games too. Carolina hasn't played in eleven days, so they're either going to be rearing to go or completely flat. I think we see the Habs buzzing from the jump.
I like the low total for a little value as well. We should see two hungry teams and I honestly don't think we see any rust on Carolina. Both teams are going to light the lamp, and we see a barn burner.
Give me Cole Caufield to score a goal. He scored a goal in all three games they played this season and hasn't scored in two games after a three-game streak. Goal Caufield is going to need to put a lot of offense on and lead this team if they want to win.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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