The Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes are set to face off on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. This non-conference matchup features two teams with different aspirations as the regular season progresses. Here’s a detailed preview:
Team Overview
- Calgary Flames (28-23-8): The Flames are currently fifth in the Pacific Division with 64 points. They are coming off a 3-0 loss to the Florida Panthers, marking their second consecutive defeat. Calgary has struggled offensively this season, averaging just 2.56 goals per game, which ranks 31st in the NHL. However, their defense has been relatively solid, allowing 2.85 goals per game.
- Carolina Hurricanes (34-22-4): The Hurricanes are second in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points. They are also coming off a loss, a 3-1 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers. Carolina has been strong at home, boasting a 22-7-1 record. Their offense averages 2.83 goals per game, while their defense allows 2.66 goals per game, making them a well-rounded team.
Key Players to Watch
- Calgary Flames:
- Jonathan Huberdeau: Huberdeau leads the Flames in points and will be a key player in generating offense against Carolina’s strong defense.
- Nazem Kadri: Kadri’s ability to create scoring opportunities and contribute on the power play will be crucial for Calgary.
- Dustin Wolf: Expected to start in goal, Wolf will need to deliver a strong performance to keep the Flames competitive.
- Carolina Hurricanes:
- Sebastian Aho: Aho is the Hurricanes’ leading scorer and a consistent offensive threat. His ability to create plays will be vital for Carolina.
- Andrei Svechnikov: Svechnikov’s scoring ability and physical presence make him a key player for the Hurricanes.
- Pyotr Kochetkov: Likely to start in goal, Kochetkov has been reliable this season and will look to shut down Calgary’s offense.
Injury Report
- Calgary Flames: No significant injuries reported.
- Carolina Hurricanes: William Carrier (lower body) is out.
Matchup Analysis
- Flames’ Offense vs. Hurricanes’ Defense: Calgary’s struggling offense will face a tough challenge against Carolina’s disciplined defense. The Flames will need to capitalize on any power-play opportunities to generate scoring chances.
- Hurricanes’ Power Play: Carolina’s power play has shown improvement recently, scoring in back-to-back games. If they can maintain this momentum, it could be a decisive factor in the game.
- Key Battle: The duel between the goaltenders, Wolf and Kochetkov, will be critical. Both teams rely heavily on their netminders to keep games close, and their performances could determine the outcome.
Calgary Flames 5.5
Carolina Hurricanes – 250
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, March 1, 2025
