Carolina Hurricanes Odds - Forecast calls for playoffs but no improvement
The Carolina Hurricanes odds got a major shot in the arm last season on the strength of returning coach Paul Maurice and Cam Ward’s breakout season between the pipes. Now, the Hurricanes’ NHL odds are looking up for 2009-10. Can this aging but strong team stay in the Stanley Cup hunt?
Carolina Hurricanes Odds: Deep but aging at forward; lacking talent on defense
- Scoring won’t be a problem; Eric Staal leads a deep, well-rounded forward corps
- Defense could really use an elite player
- Cam Ward crucial to Carolina’s success
Carolina Hurricanes odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Hurricanes were a throwback to their Stanley Cup-winning 2006 team last year and nothing should change this season. Their top six of Eric Staal, Erik Cole, Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Sergei Samsonov and Tuomo Ruutu give them a nice blend of size, speed, goal-scoring ability and playmaking – a little bit of everything. It’s important that the ’Canes get a lot from their forwards as the blueline contributes so little offensively.
Carolina Hurricanes odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
Carolina allowed the eighth-fewest goals in the NHL last year but that wasn’t really because of its blueline; it was more because Carolina has great two-way forwards like Cullen, Rod Brind’Amour and Chad LaRose plus Cam Ward in goal. The Hurricane defense corps lacks size and overall shutdown ability. Joe Corvo can quarterback the power play decently enough but Carolina lacks a boomer on the point unless Anton Babchuk, who scored 16 times a year ago, re-signs.
Carolina Hurricanes odds maker breakdown: GOALTENDING
Cam Ward went from enigmatic to rock-solid in one year and was absolutely the driving force behind Carolina’s online sports betting turnaround last season. He’s the real deal – big, athletic and a great clutch player. He’ll be Carolina’s most important player again this season and could sneak onto Canada’s Olympic team If he maintains last year’s performance standard.
Carolina Hurricanes odds maker breakdown: SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams left a bit to be desired for Carolina last year. A lack of an elite point presence hurt the power play and that problem could continue unless Joni Pitkanen really comes into his own this season. The penalty kill wasn’t great either, perhaps because of a lack of foot speed on the defense.
Carolina Hurricanes odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
Make no mistake; Carolina is a playoff team. It has too much firepower and too good of a goalie to falter. However, the ’Canes did very little to improve in the offseason while competitors like Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa worked hard. The Hurricanes should slide down a few spots in the standings.
For full Carolina Hurricanes odds, check out the BetOnline.com sportsbook. For all your sports betting tips and analysis, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. Don Melrose is BetOnline.com's hockey expert.
