The second-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes will take place on May 7 at the Capital One Arena. Washington vs. Carolina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's team defeated Montreal in five games in the first round. Notably, this is the first time since 2018 that the team has reached this stage, when they ultimately won the Stanley Cup. Dylan Strome stood out in the first round, tallying 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists), placing him among the top ten scorers in the league during the current playoffs.
In the current Stanley Cup campaign, Washington has emerged as one of the most reliable teams, conceding only 12 goals in total. However, the club ranks among the bottom three for penalty killing percentage (66.7%).
- Washington has won the last three head-to-head NHL meetings at home (2 via shootouts).
- The team has conceded at least three goals in 5 of their last 8 home league games over 60 minutes.
- No more than five goals have been scored in regular time in Washington's last four home NHL matches.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's team faced New Jersey in the first round, winning the series 4-1. Notably, this is the seventh consecutive time Carolina has reached this stage, but they have only overcome this barrier twice during this period. Sebastian Aho stood out in the first round, accumulating 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists).
In the current Stanley Cup campaign, Carolina ranks among the top three in scoring with 19 goals, while also leading in goals conceded (11 goals). Additionally, the club is among the top five in power play efficiency (31.6%), and they have not conceded while short-handed in the current playoffs, leading in this category (100%).
- Carolina has scored at least three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 6 head-to-head NHL meetings at Washington.
- The team has lost 7 of their last 8 away league games (1 in OT, 1 via shootout).
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 8 of Carolina's last 10 away NHL matches.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Match Prediction
The hosts of the upcoming match have every chance of winning. Washington often doesn't need much time to size up their opponent, getting into active play from the start and successfully executing sharp attacks: they have scored at least three goals in 11 of their last 13 home NHL matches over 60 minutes. However, Washington's defense occasionally reveals weaknesses, especially in head-to-head encounters with Carolina: the hosts have conceded at least four goals in 6 of their last 7 league meetings in regular time.
Carolina performed well in the first round of the Stanley Cup: they have not lost in regular time in their last five league matches (3 wins, 2 draws). In the upcoming match against Washington, the visitors have equal chances of winning. Carolina has been scoring effectively in recent games, giving their all: they have scored at least three goals in 5 of their last 6 league matches over 60 minutes. However, despite a well-executed attack, the club's defense has struggled under pressure in away games: Carolina has conceded at least three goals in 6 of their last 8 away NHL matches in regular time.
In 4 of the last 5 head-to-head games at Washington, both teams have scored at least twice over 60 minutes. In the upcoming match, neither team will give up victory without a fight. My prediction: Both teams to score over 1.5
