NHL Lines & Odds: Hurricanes visit Penguins in Pittsburgh Thursday Night

With Carolina playing its best hockey of the season, and Pittsburgh trying to find consistency in its game, Thursday night is setting up to be a good divisional showdown.

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Phil Kessel, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are all on pace for 80-plus point seasons, yet Pittsburgh is fighting for their playoff lives. The reason for their mediocrity? Look to the other end of the ice. They rank ninth-last in goals allowed per game (3.12), and defenseman Justin Schultz stands as one of two players on the Pens with a plus rating (+2). Add the fact that Matt Murray’s save percentage is hovering just over .900, and the result is a team that can’t keep the puck out of its net.

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Carolina, on the other hand, prides itself in being a defensively-sound team. The Hurricanes have surrendered more than two goals in just four of their last 10 games, and have won seven of those contests. Veteran netminder, Cam Ward, has taken over as the Hurricane’s No. 1 goalie, and has flourished in the role, going 10-2-1 with a save percentage of .911. If Ward continues to roll, the Canes will be a team to reckon with in the second half of the season and will give the Pens trouble on Thursday.

NHL Odds: Phil the Thrill Takes on the ‘Canes

Phil Kessel has continued to produce offensively this season, notching 17 goals and 26 assists through 41 games played. The 30-year-old is coming off of a 70-point season last year, but should challenge his career-best 82-point total this year. Kessel and the Pens welcome the youthful Carolina Hurricanes to town this Thursday in a Metropolitan Division clash.

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The Hurricanes come to Pittsburgh flying high. They’ve won seven of their last 10 games, and have clawed their way back into playoff contention. With a youth-infused lineup that scores by committee, Carolina is a team that’s looking to win now. Don’t miss the action at 7 PM ET on FS-SE.