This is a 7* on CAROLINA

The NHL Playoffs have not been short on drama thus far with the first five games all being decided by one goal and four of them going into overtime. The Nashville-Carolina first round series gets underway on Monday and the favorites (Carolina) are hoping for a better result than the four home teams had Sunday (0-4). We think the Hurricanes WILL protect their home ice advantage tonight as they look to have a decided edge in this series with the Preds. The ‘Canes won the Central Division this year thanks to 80 points and their +43 goal differential was third best in the entire league. Nashville is somewhat of a “fringe” playoff team as they were one of the last to get in the tournament and only outscored opponents this season by two goals. Carolina won the season series, 6-2. Those two losses came in the final two games of the regular season - when the ‘Canes had nothing left to play for - and the Preds were trying to lock down the Central’s final playoff berth. Both games were also played in Music City. Nashville scored only five goals in the four games here in Raleigh. Carolina has NEVER lost four in a row this season. Play on CAROLINA

AAA