Ryan Hodges
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There is just one game in the NHL on Friday night before getting back to a double digit slate on Saturday with a whopping 13 games. But for now, the Coyotes visit the Hurricanes for what is all of a sudden a big game for Arizona. After a very good start to the season for the Coyotes, they have spiraled downward. With that, it is getting late early for Arizona. These are a big 2 points for the Coyotes, but they have their work cut out for them against a very good Hurricanes team. Here are a couple players that may have an impact on the outcome.
You can find out our 2 best NHL player prop bets below, but make sure you also read our NHL predictions for today’s game.
Seth Jarvis, CAR, Over 0.5 points (-130)
The Hurricanes were inconsistent through the first 2 months of the season, but they have since turned things around and Seth Jarvis has been a key contributor. Jarvis is second on the Hurricanes with 41 points. Those 41 points are already a career best in his 3rd season at just 22 years old. Jarvis is an increasingly important part of this Carolina team and he has rewarded it accordingly. He has been especially productive over the last month.
In Carolina’s last 12 games, Jarvis has 13 points. He plays all up and down the lineup as well as on the powerplay and penalty kill. Tonight Jarvis and the Hurricanes have a favorable matchup to continue this strong production. The Coyotes have dropped 13 out of their last 17 games, including 7 straight. They have largely struggled to keep the puck out of the net during this tough stretch. The Hurricanes and their top producing players like Jarvis have a good chance to pile on this vulnerable opponent.
Read our full Carolina Hurricanes vs Arizona Coyotes predictions
Nick Schmaltz, ARI, Over 0.5 points (-120)
The Coyotes are going to be forced to take some chances offensively if the Hurricanes show up to play. Arizona ranks in the back half of the NHL in goals allowed per game and penalty kill. During the aforementioned ugly 17-game stretch, goal prevention has been a major vulnerability. Carolina should be able to put up at least 3 goals. In that game script, Arizona will be dragged into a high scoring game if they are going to stay in it.
In a potentially high-scoring game in which the Coyotes may need to play catch-up, look for their top line to get even more ice time than usual. Nick Schmaltz has been a bit of a bright spot during this slump as he has 8 points in his last 14 games. Schmaltz and star Clayton Keller have a great connection on the ice that will bring the Coyotes at least a few high-quality chances tonight. Arizona will not just roll over. Look for Schmaltz and his solid top line of the Coyotes to push hard for offense tonight to stay in the game.
