Sebastian Aho has been a standout performer for the Carolina Hurricanes as they kick off the season, currently leading the team in both points and assists. As the Hurricanes prepare to face the Minnesota Wild, Aho’s pivotal role on the top line has positioned him favorably to extend his tally of assists.
Aho, who is tied for the team lead with 11 assists, centers the formidable duo of Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov. This line has proven to be a powerhouse for the Hurricanes, with Jarvis leading the team in goals and Svechnikov contributing significantly as well. Together, they’ve combined for an impressive 16 goals in just 19 games, averaging nearly a goal per game.
The effectiveness of this trio on the ice is underscored by their remarkable 71.7% share of expected goals during 5-on-5 play, ranking them first among all NHL combinations that have spent significant time together on the ice. This dominance is particularly crucial against a Minnesota Wild team that struggles with depth at center due to injuries, particularly to Marco Rossi and Ryan Hartman, making them more vulnerable defensively.
In light of this, predictions suggest Aho will record at least one assist in the upcoming game against the Wild. The Hurricanes’ ability to maintain pressure at even strength and Aho’s playmaking skills are likely to give them the upper hand.
Moreover, observers are also looking at potential betting opportunities surrounding this matchup. A same-game parlay could include Aho for over 0.5 assists, along with various scenarios featuring Jarvis, who has consistently led in shots on goal during 5-on-5 situations despite a minor scoring slump, and Sean Walker, who has stepped up with numerous shots since a key teammate’s injury.
As the excitement builds for the game at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, MN, scheduled for Wednesday night, fans are eager to see if the Hurricanes can continue their dominant form and if Aho can add to his assist tally against a Wild team that has shown vulnerabilities.