Top NHL Betting Picks for Thursday, November 18 (2021)
Thursday brings us an exciting eleven-game slate highlighted by an unexpected marquee matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Anaheim Ducks. Yes, you read that right, the Anaheim Ducks, and I can’t explain it either.
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Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
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Carolina Hurricanes (-140) vs. Anaheim Ducks (+120)
Carolina enters this game 12-2 overall and second in the NHL with 24-points. Second to only the Florida Panthers but with two games in hand.
Offensively, they’re led by the first line duo of Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho, who both lead the team in points with eighteen and sixteen, respectively.
Many pundits overreacted to the loss of defenseman Dougie Hamilton to free agency, but newcomer Tony DeAngelo has been stellar, registering 14-points and a +13 rating. Not bad for a $1 million signing.
In net, goaltender Freddie Andersen has been otherworldly – registering a 9-2 record with a 1.77 GAA and 8.0 GSAA. Sometimes you just have to get out of Toronto – ask Zach Hyman.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season to date has been the Anaheim Ducks. Currently, 10-4-3, riding an eight-game win streak, and first in the Pacific division, this team keeps rolling.
Center Troy Terry has gotten off to a blazing start with 11 goals and 10 assists, while Ryan Getzlaf has drunk from the fountain of youth, averaging over a point per game.
Despite sputtering the past two seasons, goaltender John Gibson has regained form with a 2.33 GAA and 5.2 GSAA, routinely keeping this team in games and a significant reason for their success.
Let’s look at each team’s advanced metrics this season 5v5:
Numbers courtesy of Evolving-Hockey
• CF%: CAR (56.24) ANA (48.90)
• xGF%: CAR (51.93) ANA (48.84)
• GF/60: CAR (3.00) ANA (2.48)
• GA/60: CAR (1.65) ANA (2.25)
The Hurricanes grade out better in every category. This should come as no surprise, as they’re a far superior team.
The Ducks are one of the hottest teams in the league but grade out subpar metrically relative to league averages. Their success is largely a mirage, and we can expect them to fall back down to earth.
They will be outmatched offensively and defensively tonight, while their usual goaltending advantage will be neutralized with Andersen in the net. Leading me to back Carolina in this spot.
Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-140)
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Jordan Anderson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jordan, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @Jordan_A03.