NHL Picks: Carolina, Boston Matchup Tops Black Friday Schedule

Several ice hockey games are on tap for Black Friday, offering good options for those interested in NHL betting. 

There are 14 games on Friday, with a half dozen this afternoon alone. Saturday features nine more contests.

Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins

The Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins both are coming off losses. 

Wait, Boston lost a game? That is correct. The Bruins dropped a 4-2 decision to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night. It was only their third loss this season.   

This will be a massive test for Carolina. Unfortunately, their offense has short-circuited of late, with a 4-0 home loss to the Arizona Coyotes punctuating the problem. Suddenly, the Hurricanes rank just 23rd in the NHL with 58 goals. This team was expected to be in the top five in offensive production.

Now, Boston is that team. 

Despite the loss on Wednesday, the Bruins rank 1st in goals for and against with a goal differential of +37. That means they cover spreads often and are winning by an average of 1.85 goals per game. 

Expect this to be short-lived. Boston has enjoyed one of the easier schedules in the first six weeks of the season.  With David Pastrnak and Linus Ullmark leading the way, Boston has thrived under new coach Jim Montgomery. This team was waiting for its reinforcements (Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy) to return. The reality was Boston did not need these players. It made them even better. 

So, the concern is that Carolina has lost four straight games, with three going to overtime. That is always possible in these matinee games coming out of a holiday. Does one team forget to show up? Does the other come in full of urgency? Rod Brind’Amour figures to have his Hurricanes ready.

This game is televised on NHL Network. Also, Boston is 11-0 at home. Yes, let us stack the deck further. 

Carolina, in regulation, is dangling out there at almost +200. Even at +195, it could be worth a look.  

Montreal Canadiens at Chicago Blackhawks

The Montreal-Chicago game presents bettors with some wild numbers. 

For one, the Over of 6.5 goals is set at +100. These teams are in the bottom third regarding defense, particularly shots allowed.

The goalies have been allowing 3+ goals with regularity. Jake Allen and Arvid Soderblom are stopping pucks at a minor-league level. There is simply an easy way to go. If the number stays anywhere around Even, bet the Over.

Some Picks to Consider

• Washington in regulation at +155
• Montreal and Chicago Over 6.5 goals at +100
• Carolina in regulation at +195
• Pittsburgh and Philly Over 6.5 goals at +100

Good luck, and once again, thanks for reading! A little later today, we'll have a few weekend plays on social media.

All odds come from BetMGM Sportsbook.