Hurricanes Welcome Bruins With the East's Top Spot Up for Grabs
Carolina keeps generating the better looks, while Boston keeps winning anyway with Pastrnak and Swayman leading the way.
Written before the game
The Carolina Hurricanes sit first in the East and the Boston Bruins sit second, separated by a single point, and they have reached the top in very different ways.
Carolina (9-2-2, 8-1-1 in its last 10) wins by burying opponents in chances. Over their last 10 games the Hurricanes have averaged 4.12 expected goals per game, a measure of how many goals their chances were worth, and they have taken far more shot attempts than they allowed.
Boston (9-2-1, plus 22 goal difference) has won while giving up more shot attempts than it takes. Opponents' chances have been worth 3.1 expected goals per game, yet the Bruins keep outscoring people.
For Carolina to win, the volume has to turn into goals against a team that has let opponents shoot. For Boston to win, its finishing has to hold up again.
