Pictured: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes. Via Josh Lavallee/Getty Images.

Stanley Cup best bets: Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 3 odds, preview, prediction for Thu. 4/25

Originally posted on Action Network
By Jessica Gonsalves | Last updated 4/24/24

Here's everything you need to know about the Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 3 on Thursday, April 25 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.

Thursday night's Game 3 NHL matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders is set to be an encounter to test the mettle of New York. With home ice in their favor, will the Islanders right the ship and prevent an 0-3 hole in the series?

This matchup showcases the high-flying Hurricanes who boast league-leading numbers on both offense and defense against the defensively gritty Islanders, which offers a fascinating contrast in styles.

Find my Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 3 betting preview and prediction below.

Hurricanes vs. Islanders Odds

Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Hurricanes Odds	-160
Islanders Odds	+135
Over / Under	5.5 -105 / -115

Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NHL odds here.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes boast one of the league's most dangerous offenses, leading the NHL in Corsi Percentage and ranking second in Expected Goals Percentage (xG%). Their third-place rank in Expected Goals For and strong Power Play Performance, ranking third in goals on the man advantage, highlight their efficiency and explosiveness.

Defensively, Carolina is equally impressive, ranking second in Expected Goals Against and having the fewest Penalty Kill Goals Allowed. Starting goalie Frederik Andersen has been a standout this season, topping the charts in Save Percentage and Goals Against Average, which solidifies Carolina's status as a top contender.

New York Islanders

Conversely, the Islanders have struggled offensively, ranking low in puck control at 25th place in Corsi Percentage, though they manage a mid-tier ranking in xG%. Their ability to convert high-danger chances into goals has been a saving grace, placing them 11th in Expected Goals For.

Defensively, the Islanders find themselves in a challenging position with the 21st rank in Expected Goals Against, despite being effective in managing high-danger situations. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin has faced difficulties, with lower rankings in key goaltending metrics, which could be exploited by the Hurricanes' aggressive offense.

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