The Capitals were the best team in the NHL all season and handled the Habs in Round 1. Somehow, the Hurricanes are favored on the road for Game 1. Consider it a gift. Take Washington at even money to win straight up tonight.
This article contains predictions for an old game!
After taking care of their respective first-round series in five games apiece, the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will be rested enough to kick this series off in high gear.
Frederik Andersen was lights out against the Devils, but Logan Thompson was even better, so my Hurricanes vs. Capitals predictions give Washington the edge between the pipes and Game 1.
Find out why my best NHL picks favor the home underdogs on Tuesday, May 6.
After their first rounds were completed, the numbers between these two teams were pretty even, but the man advantage is the one factor that could be lopsided.
The Carolina Hurricanes were perfect on the penalty kill in round one, but the Washington Capitals pose a much bigger threat on the power play. Washington skated to a 23.1% success rate against the Canadiens in the first round. The Capitals are the better offensive team, which has always been the key to Carolina’s lack of playoff success. The Hurricanes have been criticized for not having “game-breakers,” which could certainly be to their disadvantage in a series like this one.
The Capitals being underdogs at home for Game 1 seems a bit odd since they were the much better team in the regular season. It seems foolish not to take advantage of that.
My Hurricanes vs Capitals pick: Capitals moneyline (+100 at Sports Interaction)
Five Capitals players produced at a point-per-game rate in the first round against the Habs.
Dylan Strome led the way with nine points in the series, scoring two goals and adding seven assists. Alexander Ovechkin carried the momentum from his storybook regular season into the postseason, tallying four goals, including an overtime winner in Game 1. Those two have become quite the dynamic duo and will make life difficult for the Hurricanes.
As good as Frederik Andersen was in the opening round, Logan Thompson was just slightly better. Thompson skated to a .923 save percentage and a 2.23 goals-against average while also having the league’s second-best +5.6 goals saved above expected.
The Capitals’ defensive core has been very impressive all season long, and they can be relied upon to shut down the Hurricanes’ forwards. Per Natural Stat Trick, the Capitals have allowed fewer high-danger chances at even strength in the playoffs, surrendering just 10.25 per contest.
The teams split the regular season series 2-2 this year, but the home team won all four games, and I think that trend will continue in Game 1.
Capitals moneyline
Andrei Svechnikov 3+ shots on goal
Dylan Strome 2+ shots on goal
Andrei Svechnikov was a total beast in round one against the Devils. He had 22 shots on goal through the five games of the series, and believe it or not, he has 15 shots on goal in the last two games combined. Not only does Svechnikov lead the team in shots, but he’s tied for the East lead in goals with five.
Strome had at least two shots on goal in three of the five games, and he was the main driver of the Capitals’ offense. Strome has been consistent all year, and despite averaging 1.8 shots on goal per game this season, he has stepped it up in the playoffs.
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Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
The home team won every game between these two in the regular season. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Capitals.
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Jonny Lazarus has loved hockey for as long as he can remember. After his Division I playing career at UMass-Amherst and Mercyhurst University came to an end in 2020, he transitioned from being a player to working in the media. He might be young in his career, but he has made appearances in numerous places like the NHL, and Bleacher Report, and this season he will be doing color commentary for a selection of UMass-Amherst hockey games.
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