The Montreal Canadiens stunned the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the 2026 NHL Eastern Conference Finals, winning decisively with a score of 6-2. The Hurricanes, who dominated the regular season by finishing first in the Eastern Conference, had previously made history by sweeping their first two best-of-seven series.

The Canadiens, despite finishing third in the Atlantic Division, displayed resilience by overcoming both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in back-to-back seven-game series to reach this stage.

Game Details:

• Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, N.C.
• Face-off: 7 p.m. ET
• Current Odds:
  • Hurricanes: -218 (risk $218 to win $100)
  • Canadiens: +178 (risk $100 to win $178)
  • Over/Under: 6 goals

The SportsLine Projection Model has simulated this matchup 10,000 times and offers insights into betting trends and predictions. It indicates a strong likelihood for the total goals to go Over 6, as this trend has emerged in six of the Canadiens' last eight games.

Key Player Projections:

• Cole Caufield (Canadiens): 0.57 goals, 0.46 assists
• Jakub Dobes (Canadiens): 26.1 saves, 3.01 goals allowed
• Seth Jarvis (Hurricanes): 0.43 goals, 0.45 assists
• Frederik Andersen (Hurricanes): 18.9 saves, 3.07 goals allowed

With the model projecting a total of 6.3 combined goals, it suggests that betting on the Over could be a wise choice. For those looking to make informed picks, the model also highlights one side of the money line as having significant value.

For more detailed predictions and betting advice, fans can check out the insights from SportsLine.