The second-round playoff matchup of the Stanley Cup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals will take place on May 11 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The series is tied at 1-1. Carolina vs. Washington: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's team suffered a 1-3 defeat in the last away game of the series. Carolina's only goal came in the third period during a power play, scored by Shayne Gostisbehere. In the current playoffs, the club shares the lead for the fewest goals conceded with Washington, having allowed just 15 goals in total. Notably, the team conceded a power play goal for the first time in this Stanley Cup edition but still leads in penalty kill percentage (95%).
- Carolina has scored at least three goals in regular time in 8 of the last 11 head-to-head NHL meetings as the home team.
- The club has won in regulation time in 10 of the last 13 home league games.
- No more than six goals have been scored in regular time in 12 of the last 15 NHL matches on Carolina's ice.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's team leveled the series by winning the third playoff game, marking their third victory in the last four playoff games. The most productive player for Washington in the previous game was Tom Wilson (1 goal, 1 assist). In this Stanley Cup edition, Washington is among the teams with the lowest scoring, currently having just 22 goals but remaining the most reliable defensively (15 goals conceded).
- Washington has not scored more than two goals in regular time in the last six head-to-head NHL meetings on Carolina's ice.
- The club lost in regulation time in 5 of the last 7 away league games.
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 7 of the last 9 away NHL matches for Washington.
Carolina vs. Washington: Match Prediction
So far in this series, both teams have not been prolific in scoring, with no more than four goals scored in total during regular time in both games. The series appears evenly matched, with Washington making adjustments after their defeat, while Carolina maintained their strategy from the first game, but the opponent limited their opportunities, much like Rod Brind'Amour's team did in the opening match. With such dynamics, both teams will continue to capitalize on mistakes, but there have not been many so far. Considering the gameplay in the first two matches, high scoring seems unlikely in the upcoming game.
In the last eight head-to-head NHL meetings on Carolina's ice, the teams have not scored more than six goals in regular time. Additionally, no more than six goals have been scored in 12 of the previous 15 home games for Rod Brind'Amour's team in the league. I believe the opponents will not surpass this mark, my prediction: Total under 6
