Hurricanes vs. Capitals Prediction
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals will host the Carolina Hurricanes tonight in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Will Washington keep its hopes alive for a second straight title with a victory?
Game Snapshot
23 Carolina Hurricanes at 24 Washington Capitals
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Capital One Arena at 7:38PM ET
TV: NBCSN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NHL Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Capitals are a -153 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Hurricanes are a +133 underdog, while the over-under is set at 5.5 goals. As of Wednesday afternoon, 70 percent of public bets are coming in on host Washington. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Hurricanes roll in Game 6
Carolina forced a Game 7 Monday night with a 5-2 home victory over Washington in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The Capitals struck first 5:06 into the contest, but the Hurricanes evened it at 1-1 midway through the first period on a Warren Foegele goal assisted by Dougie Hamilton and Jaccob Slavin. Washington again grabbed the advantage later in the first before Carolina scored four unanswered goals. Teuvo Teravainen tied it at 2-2 1:56 into the second period off an assist from Sebastian Aho. Jordan Staal gave the Hurricanes their first lead at the 16:09 mark of the third period on assists by Brock McGinn and Justin Faulk. Justin Williams gave Carolina a two-goal cushion with 8:02 remaining with assists going to Brett Pesce and Staal. Hamilton finished the scoring with 3:06 to play on an assist courtesy of Jordan Martinook. Petr Mrazek earned the win in net as he stopped 23 of 25 shots sent his way.
Capitals unable to hold lead
Washington led through one period and kept it tied through 40 minutes Monday night before faltering in the third period as it lost Game 6 5-2 at Carolina. Brett Connolly gave the Capitals a 1-0 advantage with 14:54 left in the first period on assists from Lars Eller and Andre Burakovsky. After the Hurricanes evened it at 1-1, Alex Ovechkin scored his fourth goal of the series to put Washington back up 2-1 with 4:48 left in the first. Assists on the goal went to Dmitry Orlov and Matt Niskanen. Carolina proceeded to score once in the second period to tie it up before three third-period goals by the Hurricanes gave the hosts full control. Braden Holtby surrendered four goals on 35 shots in the losing effort.
NHL Betting Trends
Carolina
The Hurricanes are 8-3 in their last 11 quarterfinals games. Carolina is 5-12 in the last 17 meetings.
Washington
The Capitals are 6-0 in their last six playoff games as a favorite. Washington is 17-8 in its last 25 games overall.
Prediction:
Washington has been stellar at home and forced Carolina to win its home games to keep this series alive. I don’t expect the Hurricanes to all of a sudden solve winning at the Caps in Game 7. Washington has a battle-tested roster and it doesn’t want an early playoff exit after tasting the pinnacle of success last season. The Capitals are sizable favorites for a reason. Don’t overthink this one and go with the home team.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS -153