The second-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes will take place on May 9 at the Capital One Arena. The series score is 1-0 in favor of Carolina. Washington vs. Carolina: prediction and statistics.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's team lost the first game of the series in overtime with a score of 1-2. The only goal for Washington was scored by Alexei Protas, who opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Among the teams still in the playoffs, the club has the lowest scoring record with only 19 goals. Additionally, they have one of the lowest power-play percentages (20%).
- Washington has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 home NHL meetings.
- The club has not lost after three periods in 12 of their last 14 home league games (8 wins, 4 draws).
- No more than five goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Washington's last 9 NHL games.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's team took the lead in the series, securing their third consecutive win in the current Stanley Cup campaign (2 in OT). They managed to equalize only in the third period, and in overtime, Carolina scored on their second shot. Notably, the team almost doubled their opponent in shot activity (33:14). In these playoffs, the club is the most reliable, having conceded only 12 goals. Moreover, the team maintains the best penalty-killing record, having not conceded in a man-down situation in the current Stanley Cup.
- Carolina has scored at least three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 NHL meetings at Washington's venue.
- The club has lost 7 of their last 9 away league games (1 in OT, 1 in shootouts).
- At least six goals have been scored after three periods in 8 of Carolina's last 11 away NHL games.
Washington vs. Carolina: Match Prediction
Judging by the play in the first game, Washington will struggle to contain Carolina's pressure for long. The visitors dominated most of the last match, with the only question being their execution, but they looked much more interesting than their opponent. I think with this approach, Rod Brind'Amour's team has every chance to extend their lead and comfortably host their opponent on home ice.
This season, Carolina has not lost to Washington in 4 of 5 head-to-head meetings (2 wins, 2 draws). Furthermore, the team has not lost after three periods in their last three away NHL games (1 win, 2 draws). Washington, on the other hand, has not won in regular time in 4 of their last 6 home league games (3 draws, 1 loss).
In the first game of the series, Carolina looked more convincing, and there was no indication from Washington that they could adapt, so I will favor the visitors in the second game of the series as well.
My prediction: Carolina Hurricanes with a handicap (0)
