Analysis of Odds and Prediction for Round 2: Hurricanes vs Capitals Series Opener

• The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals are set to meet in Round Two of the NHL Playoffs
• Opening Hurricanes vs Capitals series odds favor Carolina to advance to the Eastern Conference Final
• Read below for Hurricanes vs Capitals series odds, preview, schedule, and prediction

The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals are set for a Metropolitan Division showdown in the Eastern Conference Second Round. The matchup was finalized after the Capitals closed out the Montreal Canadiens in five games, while Carolina advanced with a dramatic double-overtime victory over the New Jersey Devils.

Carolina enters the series as a notable favorite, thanks to a dominant first-round performance and their reputation as one of the NHL’s most structurally sound teams. Washington, meanwhile, rides the momentum of a 111-point season and the league’s top seed in the East, but questions linger about their special teams and defensive consistency.

Let’s break down the opening Hurricanes vs Capitals series odds, preview, schedule, and provide our early prediction.

Hurricanes vs Capitals Odds

The Canes are sitting at -150 on the moneyline, giving them about a 60% chance to reach the Eastern Conference Final. Despite Carolina being favored, the Caps will have home-ice advantage as the higher seed, with Game One kicking off at Capital One Arena in DC.

Odds as of May 1st at DraftKings Sportsbook. Use the DraftKings promo code to bet on Round Two of the NHL Playoffs.

Hurricanes vs Capitals Schedule

This section will be updated with the full Hurricanes vs Capitals playoff series schedule as soon as it’s available. We know Game One will be played in Washington, but the NHL has yet to confirm dates and times.

Hurricanes vs Capitals History

These teams have plenty of history, including a memorable 2019 playoff battle that saw Carolina win in seven. During the 2024-25 regular season, they split their four meetings right down the middle, each going 2-1-1, with Washington grabbing the East’s top seed by edging Carolina 5-4 in a shootout on April 10.

The Canes have gone 3-1-1 in their last five against Washington, including a dominant 5-1 beatdown to lock up their playoff spot earlier this month.

Hurricanes Rally Past Devils

Carolina punched their Round Two ticket after erasing a three-goal deficit to stun the Devils in double OT in Game Five. Sebastian Aho delivered the dagger on the power play, capping a relentless attack that saw the Canes outshoot New Jersey 34-12 over the final three periods and both overtimes.

Carolina’s special teams were a difference-maker, with a 31.6% power play and a perfect 100% penalty kill in the first round. They’ve dominated puck possession with a 56.13% Corsi at 5-on-5 and led all playoff teams by pumping 36.6 shots per game while allowing just 28.8.

Aho has been the offensive catalyst, leading the Hurricanes with eight points, including three power-play goals and a 21.4% shooting percentage, while Andrei Svechnikov leads the team with five goals and a +3 rating.

Seth Jarvis has logged the most ice time among forwards, and Frederik Andersen has anchored the crease with a 1.59 GAA and a .936 save percentage. Carolina’s faceoff win rate sits at 48.9%. The Hurricanes have managed their playoff run despite the absence of Jesper Fast, who remains out with a long-term injury.

Capitals Dispatch Canadiens

Washington is through to the second round for the first time since hoisting the Cup in 2018, powered by a balanced attack and clutch goaltending. Dylan Strome leads the Caps with seven points in four games, while Anthony Beauvillier has chipped in five points and a +4 rating.

Alex Ovechkin and Connor McMichael have each contributed four points, with Ovechkin leading the team with three goals. On the back end, Jakob Chychrun’s +5 rating and John Carlson’s heavy workload have been crucial, while Logan Thompson has started every playoff game, posting a solid 2.54 GAA and .912 save percentage.

Despite their strong regular season, Washington’s special teams have been concerning in the playoffs. Their power play is sputtering at just 10 percent while their penalty kill is operating at a leaky 61.5%. The Capitals have averaged 27.8 shots per game while allowing 29.8, though their 50.5% faceoff win rate has helped them control key moments.

The Caps’ 45.52% Corsi For at 5-on-5 shows they’re getting outshot and out-chanced pretty regularly. They’ve also been missing Martin Fehervary and T.J. Oshie, who remain on the shelf, though they’ve adapted to these absences all season long

Hurricanes vs Capitals Prediction

Carolina brings a clear edge in puck possession, special teams, and defensive structure to this series. Their ability to control play at 5-on-5 and that perfect penalty kill should be huge factors against a Caps team that’s struggled to suppress shots and kill penalties.

Washington’s star power and playoff experience can’t be ignored, but the numbers don’t lie. Carolina is generating nearly nine more shots per game and converting on the power play at more than triple Washington’s rate.

The Capitals’ ability to win faceoffs and lean on their top performers has kept them competitive, but unless their penalty kill and shot suppression improve, Carolina’s depth and structure should ultimately win out.

Hurricanes vs Capitals Playoff Stats 2025

My early Hurricanes vs Capitals prediction is for Carolina to win the series in six games. The Hurricanes’ depth, attention to defensive details, and special teams advantage should carry them past a Capitals squad that’s leaning heavily on its stars and goaltending. Unless Washington figures out their penalty kill fast, expect the Canes to pull away and reach the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three years.

CAR vs WSH Pick:

• Hurricanes to Win Series (-150)

The highly anticipated Round 2 matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals is set to kick off, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams are coming off strong performances in the first round of the playoffs, with the Hurricanes sweeping the New York Islanders and the Capitals defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.

As we look ahead to this series opener, it’s important to consider the odds and make some predictions on how the games may unfold. The Capitals are the defending Stanley Cup champions and have a wealth of playoff experience on their side. Led by superstars like Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, they have the firepower to score goals in bunches and make life difficult for opposing goaltenders.

On the other hand, the Hurricanes have been one of the surprise teams of the playoffs so far. Their young core of players, including Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, have been playing with confidence and determination. Goalie Petr Mrazek has also been solid between the pipes, giving his team a chance to win every night.

In terms of the odds, many sportsbooks have the Capitals listed as slight favorites to win the series. Their experience and depth give them a slight edge over the upstart Hurricanes. However, Carolina has shown that they are not to be underestimated, and their speed and tenacity could pose problems for Washington.

As for the series opener, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will come out on top. Both teams have had some time to rest and prepare, so we can expect a fast-paced and intense game. The key for the Hurricanes will be to stick to their game plan and not get overwhelmed by the Capitals’ star power. If they can play their brand of hockey and get solid goaltending from Mrazek, they have a good chance of stealing a win on the road.

Ultimately, this series is shaping up to be a thrilling battle between two talented teams. The odds may favor the Capitals, but the Hurricanes have shown that they are capable of pulling off upsets. Fans can expect a hard-fought series with plenty of drama and excitement. Let the games begin!