Ottawa - Carolina Big match for both of today, as the winner will continue to hope for a presence in the play-off. 2 points in front of Caroline are the Canadian and 6 points behind Columbus for the last wild card position, so the current match takes the character of the derby.
Back to back comes Ottawa after yesterday's victory against Flames (6-3), this was the second home in the home after Blackhawks. 15-15-3-3 this season with Sens, defensive but capable offensive. Their two recent victories somehow improved the situation as the team has only 3 in the last 10 matches, the one in the penalty shootout.
Not in a better position Karolina, but the more relaxed the team gets into the match. Difficult defeat from Columbus in the previous derby (2-3 in the prolongation) after the victory in Florida with 3-0. The team brings alternate defeat to the last 6 matches. 15-17-4 away this year for the Hurricanes with the time to narrow if they want to do something good this year.
The Hurricanes will win from this year's match against the Senators, as they have won twice this year in their seats. 25-1-6-3-24-11-4-1, with Senators being 0-4 in power play in these two matches, while Hurricanes are running 6-1 in their last 7 against their current opponents . Other trends that stand out here are 2-11 of Ottawa in the last 13 without rest, 1-6 in the last 7 with the Eastern conference and 1-8 in the last 9 after the 5 + goals. Carolina is 2-1 in the last 3 I've been given to Canada. No absences are the two of them here.
I expect a tough battle here, with the Hurricanes fresher and playing their survival for the play-offs. The psychological advantage with them as they have walked the Senators twice this year. I find the price a bit off for the Canes here in money line because I do not think he is such a big underdog today. Bet365 and Paddy have the Canes at 2.10 tonight.
