Hurricanes vs. Capitals Prediction
The Washington Capitals will begin their postseason quest for a second straight Stanley Cup Trophy tonight when they host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Is a bet on Washington the smart way to go tonight?
Game Snapshot
13 Carolina Hurricanes at 14 Washington Capitals
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Capital One Arena at 7:30PM ET
TV: USA
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Capitals are a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Hurricanes are a +125 underdog, while the over-under sits at 5.5 goals. As of Thursday morning, 78 percent of public bets are pouring in on host Washington. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Hurricanes clinch first playoff spot since ’09
Carolina is back in the postseason for the first time in a decade as it finished the regular season with a 46-29-7 record and 99 points. The Hurricanes’ offense is highlighted by left winger Sebastian Aho as he tallied 30 goals and 53 assists. Fellow left winger Teuvo Teravainen accounted for 21 goals and 55 assists, while right winger Justin Williams had 23 goals and 30 assists. Petr Mrazek was the main goaltender as he recorded a 23.14-3 record with a 2.39 goals-against average plus a .914 save percentage over 40 games. Curtis McElhinney was in net for 33 games and registered a 20-11-2 record, 2.58 goals-against average plus a .912 save percentage.
Ovechkin leads way for Caps
After winning the Stanley Cup a year ago, not a lot has changed in the look of Washington heading into the 2019 playoffs. Future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin leads the Capitals from his left winger position as he accounted for 51 goals and 38 assists in 81 games. Veteran center Nicklas Backstrom registered 22 goals and 52 assists in 80 games, while center Evgeny Kuznetsov tallied 21 goals and 51 assists over 76 games. Defenseman John Carlson had 13 goals and 57 assists in 80 games. Goalie Braden Holtby had a 32-19-5 record with a 2.82 goals-against average plus a .911 save percentage in 59 games. Washington won the Metropolitan Division with a 48-26-8 record plus 104 points.
NHL Betting Trends
Carolina
The Hurricanes are 4-1 in their last five games. Carolina is 12-5 in its last 17 road games.
Washington
The Capitals are 7-0 in their last seven Thursday games. Washington is 11-3 in its last 14 games as a favorite.
Prediction:
The Capitals might have won the Stanley Cup last season, but they struggled to get past the Blue Jackets in the first round. Carolina is going to come in with a lot of adrenaline and a team that wants to take down the defending Stanley Cup champs. I see this as a solid chance at taking an underdog and reaping the benefits. It’s possible Washington is resting on its laurels a bit after accomplishing what it did a year ago.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: CAROLINA HURRICANES +125