Certainly, one of the top NHL franchise turnarounds in recent history took place this year in Raleigh, North Carolina. For the first time since 2009 the Hurricanes are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Along the same lines fan interest and enthusiasm are at levels not seen since the franchise hoisted hockey’s Holy Grail in 2006. Last year the Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin exercised all of their demons. Indeed, the Caps NHL betting online success at winning the Stanley Cup was an unexpected triumph. Although the Caps are again a top playoff favorite their lackluster defense could prove fatal.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals Eastern Conference Playoffs
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Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC and PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Now the Capitals bolted out of the gate with wins in the first two games of this series at home. Game one was a 4-2 payout by the Caps as Nicklas Backstrom scored the first two goals of the game. Caps goaltender Braden Holtby stopped 27 shots in the victory. Game two was a 4-3 Washington win in overtime. Brooks Orpik got the game winner at 1:48. In turn games three and four will be at Carolina.
Washington did win the Metropolitan Division but was inconsistent for much of the season. Certainly, the Capitals have not had the same commitment to defense under since the departure of head coach Barry Trotz after the Stanley Cup title last summer. Trotz was able to get a defensive commitment out of the team that his replacement Todd Reirden cannot.
Carolina has had a remarkable turnaround that was triggered by new owner Tom Dundon. Starting with a new management team and fresh approaches have the Hurricanes become a winner.
Late on Carolina has won 14 out of their last 20 NHL betting online matchups at home. For of their last seven home games have gone under the total. By contrast the Canes have lost four of their last six away matchups. Five of Carolina’s last seven away games have gone under the total.
Washington has dominated their head to head sportsbook series with Carolina. To illuminate the Capitals have won 14 out of their last 18 games against the Hurricanes. Four of the last six between these teams have gone under the total.
At Capital One Arena the Hurricanes have lost nine of their last online gambling 11 visits. Further, this matchup has gone over the total in only two of their last seven meetings at Washington. In a similar way the Capitals have owned the cashier’s cage at Raleigh. In the last 20 games between these teams at Carolina the Hurricanes have won only five times. Six of the last seven between these teams at PNC Arena have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Commencing with the first playoff home games in a decade should Carolina be expected to fight hard. However, the fact remains that Washington has too much NHL betting online firepower and depth.
Hurricanes vs. Capitals NHL Betting Online Picks
In this situation Carolina will make a great effort but the Caps will wear them down.
Hurricanes vs. Capitals NHL Betting Online Series Pick: Washington Capitals
Catch highlights of the Capitals game two overtime thriller!