Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 5/6/2025 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

TV: ESPN

Odds/Point Spread: Hurricanes (+120) Capitals (-144)

Capital One Arena is the site where the Washington Capitals (51-22-9) will go up against the Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5) on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The line on this matchup has the Hurricanes at +120 while the Capitals are sitting at -144. The over/under comes in at 6.

The Carolina Hurricanes were on the winning side of the scoreboard with a 5-4 win against the Devils in Game 5 of the first round. Carolina accounted for 6 mins in the box in this matchup. The Hurricanes had a good offensive performance in this win. Furthermore, they had 6 power play chances and were able to net 2 goals. In the matchup, they finished 5 of the 54 shots they attempted.

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At even strength, the Hurricanes let the opposition score 190 goals while having 220 of their own. Carolina Hurricanes opponents have 244 power play opportunities (5th in pro hockey) and have earned 40 goals in those attempts. In regard to their scoring capabilities, the Carolina Hurricanes have tallied 266 goals (9th in pro hockey) on the season and have surrendered 230. Carolina has taken 2,599 shots and is the owner of a shot percentage of 10.2%. For the year, they have scored 99 points and their points percentage comes in at .604. The Hurricanes so far have had 2,044 shots tried against them and have a save percentage of .887. Carolina has compiled 246 power play opportunities and they have notched 46 goals out of those attempts, giving them a rate of 18.70%.

The player between the pipes for this game is Frederik Andersen. Opponents have scored 1,273 goals versus Andersen in his pro hockey career and his goals against average is 2.67. Andersen has been in goal for 517 matchups during his pro hockey career. His save percentage currently sits at .915 for his 28,621 minutes guarding the cage. He has an overall record of 308-135-53 and got the start in 503 games. Over the course of his career, Andersen has compiled 290 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .577. Andersen has had 15,007 shots taken against him and has accrued 13,734 saves.

In the deciding game of the first round, Washington went up against the Canadiens in an outing where the Capitals ended up with the victory by a final of 4-1. They had 3 chances on the power play in this matchup and recorded 2 out of those opportunities. The Capitals scored 4 goals of the 28 shots on goal they attempted.

The Capitals have scored 234 goals at even strength and 52 goals (13th in pro hockey) while having more men on the ice. Washington has attempted 2,265 shots (22nd in the NHL) and has a shot percentage of 12.63%, while allowing the opposition 2,229 shots. On the campaign, the Washington Capitals have tallied 286 goals, 111 points, as well as a points percentage of .677. They have permitted 229 goals to be scored by of a combination of 186 goals at even strength and 43 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have a total of 221 power play chances and they have a power play percentage of 23.53%. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 82.01% on their oppositions 239 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently sits at 89.7%.

On the other side of the ice you are likely to see Logan Thompson patrolling the crease. He has recorded 3,804 stops out of the 4,173 shots taken against him, giving him a rate of .912. Thompson has amassed a lifetime mark of 87-38-17 and has been in goal for 146 games. He has been a starter 137 games and has accumulated 6,028 minutes. Thompson's percentage of quality starts comes out to 59.9% and he has qualified for 82 quality starting assignments in his professional career. His opposition is averaging 3.67 goals per contest and he has conceded 369 goals overall.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Carolina (+120)

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