The second round playoff clash of the Stanley Cup between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes will take place on May 16 at the Capital One Arena. The series score is 3-1 in favor of Carolina. Washington vs. Carolina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's side suffered their second consecutive defeat in the series, losing the last away game 2-5. Notably, the team twice reduced the deficit to a minimum. Jacob Chychrun stood out for Washington, being the team's top scorer (1 goal, 1 assist). It is worth mentioning that in the current Stanley Cup campaign, the club ranks among the bottom five in power play efficiency (20%).
- Washington has won 6 of their last 8 home NHL games (1 in OT, 1 in shootout).
- The club has scored at least three goals in regulation time in 12 of their last 15 home league games.
- No more than five goals have been scored over three periods in 4 of Washington's last 5 NHL matches.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's team is one step away from reaching the Stanley Cup semifinals, having won the last match. The most productive period for Carolina was the third, during which they scored three times. Sean Walker (1 goal, 1 assist) and Taylor Hall (1 goal, 1 assist) were notable players for the club. In the current playoffs, the team is among the top five in scoring, with 31 goals, and remains the most reliable in defense (17 goals conceded). Additionally, Carolina is among the best in power play efficiency (30%) and leads in penalty kill (92.6%).
- Carolina has won 5 of their last 6 NHL matches (2 in OT).
- The team has not conceded more than two goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 9 away league games.
- No more than six goals have been scored over three periods in 6 of Carolina's last 9 away NHL games.
Washington vs. Carolina: Match Prediction
So far, Washington's leaders have not been able to offer anything substantial against Carolina. Rod Brind'Amour's team maintains their pace, tries to control the situation, and it all points to the series potentially closing in the next match.
On Washington's ice, Carolina has not lost in regulation time in 6 of the last 8 head-to-head NHL meetings (3 wins, 3 draws). Furthermore, in nine games in the current playoffs, the club has only one regulation loss (5 wins, 3 draws).
Washington will undoubtedly give it their all, given the situation, but Carolina is clearly outplaying their opponent, and it's questionable how the hosts will manage to hold on, so my choice is the visitors.
My prediction: Carolina Hurricanes with a handicap (0)
