Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Picks - NHL
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by Taavi Pailk | in NHL Picks
In Game 5 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals, the Carolina Hurricanes look to finish off the Montreal Canadiens on Friday at Lenovo Center.
While Montreal won Game 1 6-2, Carolina has dominated the series. Through four games in the matchup, the Canadiens have recorded only 65 shots on goal, the second-fewest in a best-of-seven series in Stanley Cup Playoffs history.
With better puck luck, the Hurricanes could have achieved a third consecutive sweep this postseason. The team has incredible depth throughout the lineup, rolling out four strong forward lines and three solid defensive pairings. Not to mention the outstanding goaltending of Frederik Andersen.
You could argue that Montreal has more star power, with the likes of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson. But Carolina is a much better team, and the home fans will expect to see it once more on Friday night.
The Hurricanes will look to grind down the opposition again and will be confident in containing the Canadiens’ offense, having allowed just four goals over the past three games. Their penalty kill has been dominant in the postseason, shutting down nearly 94% of power-play opportunities. This has significantly reduced Montreal’s offensive threat.
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Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens Form
Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens Latest Matches
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
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2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
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1/6 (17%)
5/6 (83%)
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4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
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Carolina Hurricanes against Montreal Canadiens : Head to Head (H2H)
67 %
33 %
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Players list
B. Bussi
F. Andersen
A. Nikishin
K. Miller
S. Gostisbehere
J. Slavin
S. Walker
J. Chatfield
J. Staal
J. Blake
L. Stankoven
S. Jarvis
A. Svechnikov
J. Martinook
S. Aho
N. Ehlers
T. Hall
M. Jankowski
E. Robinson
W. Carrier
J. Fowler
J. Dobes
J. Struble
K. Guhle
L. Hutson
N. Dobson
M. Matheson
A. Carrier
C. Caufield
A. Newhook
K. Dach
J. Evans
J. Veleno
Z. Bolduc
J. Slafkovsky
P. Danault
J. Anderson
A. Texier
N. Suzuki
I. Demidov
Most goals and assists
Carolina Hurricanes
Montreal Canadiens
C. Caufield
(57 Goals)
S. Aho
(60 Assists)
N. Suzuki
(84 Assists)
Carolina Hurricanes - Montreal Canadiens Key Points
- The Hurricanes have allowed 1.67 goals per game in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- The Canadiens have been limited to 2.5 goals per game in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- 10 of Carolina’s 12 postseason games have ended with under 5.5 goals.
- 61.1% of Montreal’s games in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs have ended with under 5.5 goals.
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Our Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction
Montreal is averaging 16.3 shots per game in the Eastern Conference Finals and has been outshot by a wide margin. Martin St. Louis’ men are constantly stuck in the defensive zone, offering little on offense.
Carolina has been hugely impressive on defense this postseason, allowing more than two goals only once. As a result, they have been involved in numerous low-scoring games, and another one appears likely at Lenovo Center on Friday.
Our prediction for Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens: Under 5.5 goals.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
