Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals: Predictions and Odds

Where: Capital One Arena – Washington, DC.

When: Thursday, April 11, 7:30 PM EST

How (TV/Radio): USA, FSCR, NBC Sports, SN360, TVA | WFAN

Carolina Hurricanes (Away)

Head Coach: Rod Brind’Amour {All-Time 46-29-7 CAR}

The Carolina Hurricanes are roaring into the playoffs after a great late-season surge. They ended the regular season record of 46-29-7 – not too far off from their opponents. They went 6-4-0 in their last ten games and finished on a three-game winning streak. This series will be a lot more closely contested than many may think.

The Canes had some offensive troubles this season, but they still managed to pressure other teams and ended up first overall in the league when it came to taking the most shots. That will be a challenge for a slightly weak Washington defense.

Speaking of defense, Carolina shined. They ended the season seventh in fewest goals against, third in fewest shots against, and they had the eighth best penalty kill.

Goalie Petr Mrazek is expected to start against the defending champions. Mrazek ended the year with a 24-13-3 record, a 2.39 goals against average, and a .914 save percentage. He had four shutouts during the regular season.

Washington Capitals (Home)

Head Coach: Todd Reirden {All-Time 48-26-8 WSH}

The Washington Capitals didn’t finish first overall this season, but they are still going to be an experienced force to be reckoned with in these playoffs. The Caps finished the regular season with a record of 48-26-8 and went 6-3-1 in the last ten games to finish the season.

Washington’s most noteworthy offensive stats go hand-in-hand: they had the second-best shooting percentage in the league which led to them having the fifth-highest scoring average in the NHL. However, they weren’t without their defensive struggles this season. Washington was in the bottom-10 in the league when it came to taking penalties and killing them off. They also allowed the 15th most shots and 17th most goals against.

Goaltender Braden Holtby, who backstopped the Capitals to the Stanley Cup last year, is expected to be in the crease for game one. Holtby finished the regular season with a record of 32-19-5. His goals against average were 2.82 and his save percentage was .911. He finished the year with three shutouts.

The last time these two teams met in the regular season on March 28, 2019, it was the Washington Capitals who came out on top with a final score of 3-2.

Questions to answer

Can the Carolina Hurricanes carry their late season momentum forward into the playoffs?

The Caps have a better powerplay – the Canes have a better penalty kill. How big of a role will special teams play in this first-round matchup?

Simply, can the Washington Capitals show signs of repeating their dominance of last season after finishing lower in the standings that their Stanley Cup year? Are they the same powerhouse?

Carolina Hurricanes Injury Report

D Calvin de Haan – day-to-day (upper-body)

Washington Capitals Injury Report

D Michal Kempny – day-to-day (torn hamstring)

Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals Predictions and Odds

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