Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins
NHL Pick: Boston Bruins -160 odds (October 18th 2011)
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The Bruins have not exactly been playing like Stanley Cup Champions as they are off to a 2-3 start and the slow beginning can partially be attributed to the Cup hangover. They started the season with three straight home games which should have gotten them off to a good start but Boston went just 1-2 in those games, scoring a total of one goal in those two setbacks. Boston has played its last two games on the road and is coming off a shootout win last time out which could provide some needed momentum.

Carolina opened the season with three straight losses but it has bounced back with wins in its last two games, both coming by a single goal. The Hurricanes are 1-1-1 on the road and going back to last season they are 5-12 in their last 17 games as a road underdog including 3-9 in their last 12 games as a road underdog of +150 or less. The Bruins know they need to get rolling soon and with 10 of their next 12 games at home, this is the perfect time to get back on track.

Boston is playing for some revenge following a one-goal loss at Carolina last Wednesday. The Bruins went 0-5 in the power play and that has been the biggest problem so far this year as they are 0-15 over the last four games and just 1-20 on the season. That percentage is good for a tie for fourth worst in the NHL. Carolina won the opening game of this season series last year as well before Boston went on to win the final three meetings so we should see another bounceback here. 3* (2) Boston Bruins -Matt Fargo