Posted at 10:00 AM EST. Odds are subject to change.

Ottawa +135 over Carolina

NHL Playoff Series Game 2

7:30 PM EST. Ottawa heads into Game 2 down in the series, but the opener was far more competitive than the final result suggests. Linus Ullmark was solid between the pipes, and the difference ultimately came down to a lack of finish, not a breakdown defensively. Ottawa generated chances and stayed within striking distance at even strength, which is an important takeaway heading into this spot. Teams that control stretches without getting rewarded typically see some correction in the following game, especially in a playoff environment where adjustments come quickly.

The Carolina Hurricanes have the edge in depth and structure, but their Game 1 win wasn’t as dominant as a shutout might imply. They didn’t convert on the power play and relied on timely even-strength scoring rather than overwhelming pressure. Carolina’s style is built on volume shooting and puck control, but that can also keep games tighter than expected when they’re not finishing at a high rate. There’s also a tendency for them to come back to the pack after strong performances, particularly early in a series where momentum can shift quickly.

The underdog becomes appealing because Ottawa has shown resilience all season and has been strong in bounce-back situations, with a pattern of finishing games well and adjusting after losses. Ullmark gives them a reliable presence in net, and if they get even average offensive support, that can be enough to flip this matchup. With Carolina priced as a clear favorite, the gap between these teams is being overstated based on one result. In a series that’s tighter than it looks, taking Ottawa at plus money to win outright is the right side.

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