Sometimes a team returning home following a multi-game road trip can be flat. I don't see that happening here with the Bruins. Boston is mad and in stop-the-pain mode having lost two in a row for the first time since mid-November. Both defeats came on the road. The losses were a controversial 4-3 defeat to the Maple Leafs this past Friday following by a flat performance on Saturday in a loss to the last-place Sabres.

Now the Bruins are back in action after two full days off. Boston has won 10 of its last 13 home games and fortified itself at the trade deadline picking up Rick Nash and Tommy Wingels while signing Brian Gionta off the U.S. Olympic team. All are expected to play for the first time at home today as members of the Bruins.

The Bruins are much the superior team and should be fired-up. So I believe it's worth it to take a plus price with them on the money line rather than lay such heavy juice.

Carolina is struggling both record-wise and emotionally. The Hurricanes have lost five in a row, managing only six goals during this span. They've allowed at least three goals in their last six games. This is a very difficult time, too, mentally for the Hurricanes following the death of co-captain Jordan Staal's baby daugther during the weekend. Staal isn't likely to play.

The two teams met in Boston last month and the Bruins blasted the Hurricanes, 7-1. Boston goalie Tukka Rask has a strong history versus Carolina with a 7-3-3 record, a 1.89 GAA and .939 save percentage.