NHL: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 2 Picks and Odds | May 23, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Sat May 23, 2026, 8:00 am ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
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We're back for game two of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Montreal Canadiens stole game one in Carolina from the Hurricanes on Thursday. Montreal laid a beatdown on the Canes by a final of 6-2.
This came took no time to get started. Carolina wasted no time and forward Seth Jarvis scored a goal just thirty seconds into the game. Then, thirty seconds later, the Canadiens tied the game with a goal from Cole Caufield. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, that's where it ended for them.
POD Sneak Peak: Game Total Over 5.5 Goals (-130)
Keep reading for analysis!
Montreal proceeded to run the score up with another three goals. Forwards Phillip Danault and Alexandre Texier scored the next goals and rookie Ivan Demidov had the third off a sick breakaway goal. In the second period, the Canes got one back and made it a 4-2 game.
The third period was all the Canadiens. Juraj Slafkovsky got the team's fifth goal seven minutes in the period after busting his way to the net. Slafkovsky sealed the deal for the Habs with an empty netter. Definitely a game no one really saw coming.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Can Carolina break their Conference Finals curse?
Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky scores a goal on Hurricanes goalie Freddy Andersen.
The Hurricanes are a bit lost, and this seems to happen in the Conference Finals. Goalie Freddy Andersen had allowed 5 total goals through the first two rounds and allowed six goals in game one alone. This isn't new though – the Habs had their number all season.
Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, the Hurricanes are 1-16 in the Conference Finals. This is pretty much a curse at this rate. With the Canadiens really knowing how to shut them down this season, this is pretty much a panic situation for the Hurricanes.
Adjustments need to be made in game two. Do you think it's time to give Freddy a break and go with Bussi or was this a result of their time off? Time will tell. Let's check out the odds and get into the Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 2 picks.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes Betting Odds and Game Information
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Betting Odds – May 23
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | +1.5 (-150) | +175 | Over 5.5 (-130) |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -1.5 (+125) | -210 | 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 23, 2026
- Puck Drop: 7 p.m. EST
- TV: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max
Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes Picks and Prediction
Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho tries to deflect the puck past Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes.
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Game 2 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
The only way for the Hurricanes to really get back in this one is gain momentum. Best way to do that is to come out hot and get on the board first. From there, the defense and goalie can gain some confidence with a bit of a lead.
Now, I do think that happens and the Hurricanes get on the board more in this game, but I also don't think they stop the Canadiens. With that being said, we're rocking with the over 5.5 goals in this game. The Canes defense has no answer for the Habs offense, and I see it happening again.
I have to roll with Cole Caufield to score a goal again. He hit for us last game and has four goals in four games this season vs. Carolina. Caufield hasn't been shooting like normal, so I advise staying away from his shots on goal until he starts firing the puck again.
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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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