Hurricanes to pepper Shesterkin in Game 3

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We put together another 1-2 card Wednesday night, which feels very disappointing given how the games played out.

The Canucks scored five goals but Quinn Hughes - their assists leader - didn't pick one up despite logging more than 25 minutes of ice. Matthew Tkachuk also put forth a shotless performance in a dominant performance by the Panthers in which they recorded 18 more shots than the Bruins. Go figure.

Thankfully, Evan Bouchard came through with an assist to help us avoid a reverse sweep.

Let's dive into my favorite plays for Thursday's card as we look to rebound.

Seth Jarvis: Over 0.5 points

Jarvis has hit another gear offensively of late, picking up 13 points over his last 10 games.

He's been unstoppable on home ice thus far, recording six playoff points through just three contests in Carolina.

Of course, the Rangers are a different beast than the Islanders, but I like Jarvis' chances of staying hot in Game 3.

Through two outings, the Hurricanes generated 3.5 expected goals and 28 scoring chances with Jarvis on the ice. That's only amounted to one Hurricanes goal, which the young forward got in on.

With a big dose of five-on-five ice time - not to mention a juicy role on the top power-play unit - Jarvis is put in the best positions to create offense.

Perhaps with the help of an empty net, I think the Hurricanes score three-plus goals en route to a Game 3 win. If that's the case, I like Jarvis' chances of getting involved.

Odds: -140 (playable to -150)

Igor Shesterkin: Over 29.5 saves

Shesterkin has insane home/road splits. He's gone over this total just 19% of the time at Madison Square Garden, a stark contrast from his 45% away hit rate.

Over his last 10 road dates, Shesterkin's averaged 31 saves, which includes a pair of contests against a lifeless Capitals squad.

The Hurricanes are a different story. They just put up a 42-shot regulation performance against the Rangers.

Their Game 1 numbers were much lower, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. They attempted 72 shots but couldn't find a way to get them to the net.

The Canes are back home now and will control the matchups, which is a plus. They're also completely desperate. Down 0-2, this contest is essentially do-or-die for the Hurricanes. I expect them to put their best foot forward and throw everything but the kitchen sink at Shesterkin.

I wouldn't be surprised if he puts up 35-plus saves in regulation alone.

Odds: -125 (playable to -145)

Wyatt Johnston: Over 0.5 points

Johnston had a great regular season and has taken things up a notch in the playoffs. He leads all Stars forwards in five-on-five ice time and he's taking full advantage of it.

He's produced eight points through as many games and has been the Stars' biggest offensive threat by a country mile. Johnston has 15 more shot attempts and 18 more scoring chances than his next closest teammates.

The expected goals numbers might be even crazier: Johnston has piled up 5.7 expected goals, and Tyler Seguin slots below him with 2.56. That's an insane gap.

With five points through five home contests, Johnston is poised to make an impact in a crucial Game 2 versus the Avalanche.

Odds: -145 (playable to -155)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.

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