Jeff's (JH-Sportsline) NHL Spotlight teams are squads that will make the playoffs (and/or improve by at least 15 points) after missing out the previous year. Jeff is a now a six-time NHL Handicapping champion documented by The Sports Monitor of OK. Jeff cashed a record 78.6% in 2013 NHL regular season and 70% in the Postseason. Jeff was ranked No. 3 in 2015 and ranked No. 1 in win percentage last season. Do yourself a favor and jump on board. Full season NHL packages are now available.
Jeff's 2017-18 NHL Eastern Conference Spotlight Team: CAROLINA HURRICANES: (2016 record: 36-31-15, 87 points)
The Carolina Hurricanes have't made the playoffs in eight straight seasons. That's all about to change as the said Hurricanes acquired a bunch of playoff-experienced vets in the off-season. That works well with the Hurricanes' big and mobile defense, including new #1 goalie Scott Darling (Chicago). Darling was spectacular last season going 18-5-5 with a 2.38 GAA and .924 win percentage. In his career, Darling sports a 39-17-9 record with a 2.37 GAA and .923 win percentage. He's an upgrade over Cam Ward, who is not too shabby in his own right. Carolina went 10-2-5 last March and will be looking to get off to a better start this season. I think it's very likely!
The arrival of veteran forward Justin Williams should open things up for rising star Victor Rask. This will be Rask's fourth year in the league and he's ready to break out after three very solid seasons to start his career. Rask has accumulated 126 points in 242 games played. He is poised for a 25+ Goal and 25+ helpers campaign. Jordan Staal and newcomer Marcus Kruger are above average players at the Center position. Carolina will be able to matchup with just about any Hockey team if they stay healthy. Jeff Skinner should reach 40 goals after lighting the lamp 37 times last season. Love the skill and tenacity on defense. With the likes of Justin Faulk, Brett Pesce, Noah Hanifin, and Jacob Slavin, the defense should suffocate opposing teams. This is a very very good team on paper. The time is now for the Hurricanes to reach the postseason. Would be shocked if they don't! Las Vegas has set Carolina's O/U point total at 93.5. I would go Over that every day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Jeff's Prediction: (45-30-7, 5th playoff spot in the East, 97 points)
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