Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

On Thursday in the NHL, we are treated to what should be a great Metropolitan Division battle, as the Washington Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes.

Part of a busy 10-game slate in the league, it is their fourth and final game against each other in the regular season. Carolina has won two of the three previous games, so Washington will be looking to even the score.

Each team has been quite settled when it comes to being in the playoffs this year. They have each solidified their standing within the division, and Carolina already knows their Round One playoff matchup (New Jersey Devils).

Points are not of major importance in this game, but make no mistake, it will be a hard-fought battle as each team prepares for what they hope will be a long playoff run. Here are Hurricanes vs. Capitals picks and predictions.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals betting picks and predictions 

Washington Capitals Moneyline (+135)

In Washington’s most recent game, Alexander Ovechkin broke the record for the most goals in NHL history when he scored goal number 895. This is a major morale boost, and after watching that moment unfold, it is clear they are a tight group.

However, they lost that game 4-1 and have won just two of their last seven games. 

With the playoffs rapidly approaching, Washington knows they must quickly shake off this rust and regain steam. They have home ice advantage, and a thirst for vengeance as Carolina bested them 5-1 in their most recent meeting.

The teams match quite evenly, but Washington’s elite offense is a factor that separates themselves from Carolina.

Their roster has unveiled a plethora of key contributors this season, making them one of the deepest rosters in the league. These factors spark confidence in this team for this game. 

Seth Jarvis Over 0.5 Points (-160)

Seth Jarvis is having an excellent season, carrying forward from a great season last year. He leads the Hurricanes with 30 goals, and is second with 61 points. With the major roster changes this team has gone through, he has been a catalyst for the Hurricanes. 

Even against a solid defensive team like Washington, Carolina has shown throughout the season that their offensive efforts are not to be taken lightly and they can generate chances, with Jarvis at the forefront.

In a great test before the playoffs, Carolina and Washington should provide us with a very close contest. Everyone will need to bring their A-game, and Jarvis has proven his ability to step up. He has no points in his last two games, but he is too good a player for this to continue.

Alexander Ovechkin Under 3.5 Shots on Goal (-150)

Now that the Great 8 has accomplished something we may never see beaten in years, a certain weight is off of his shoulders. For the entire season, the chase to 895 goals was a major storyline. Pressure clearly didn’t get to him, but it no longer is a possible distraction.

With just five games left for the Capitals, preparation for the playoffs is key. Ovechkin will be their main offensive contributor as he has been his entire career.

However, he could quite easily take his foot off the offensive pedal to focus on other aspects of the game, such as generating some goals for his teammates, while his workload may also be reduced to keep him as fresh as possible.

He will still be a threat no matter what, but I think his shot totals decrease in this one, and he has had less than four shots in four of his last six games.

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Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals odds

Carolina Hurricanes	-160 ML
Washington Capitals	+135 ML
Puck Line	CAR -1.5 (+165)
Total	O/U 6.0

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Alexander Ovechkin (WAS Capitals)	+120
Sebastian Aho (CAR Hurricanes)	+155
Seth Jarvis (CAR Hurricanes)	+155
Taylor Hall (CAR Hurricanes)	+225
Tom Wilson (WAS Capitals)	+240
Pierre-Luc Dubois (WAS Capitals)	+260

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.