Hurricanes vs Capitals Game 1 Prediction, Odds & Prop Bets

• The Washington Capitals are +118 moneyline underdogs against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series
• Washington won both home games against Carolina in the regular season
• Read below for Hurricanes vs Capitals Game 1 odds, picks and prop bets

The Washington Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series on Tuesday night. Both teams advanced after winning their first-round matchups in five games, but oddsmakers are giving the edge to Carolina in the series opener despite the Capitals’ home-ice advantage.

The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena, with ESPN carrying the broadcast.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Game 1 Odds

The Hurricanes are -140 favorites in Game 1, while the Capitals are +118 moneyline underdogs. Washington is getting 1.5 goals on the puck line at -220 odds. The game total is set at 5.5 goals, juiced to the Over at -140.

The Canes are massive favorites to advance in the Hurricanes vs Capitals series odds, but oddsmakers are giving Washington more of a chance at home in Game 1.

Odds as of May 6th at Caesars. Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code to get the best bonuses for betting on NHL playoff games.

Hurricanes vs Capitals Game 1 Prediction

• Washington Capitals Moneyline (+118 at Caesars)

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While I believe the Hurricanes are the better team overall and will likely win this series, the Capitals present excellent value as home underdogs in Game 1. Washington won both meetings against Carolina at Capital One Arena during the regular season and are a perfect 3-0 on home ice so far in the playoffs.

Goaltending could be a major advantage for the Capitals in this series. Logan Thompson has been phenomenal for Washington, posting a .923 save percentage, 2.23 goals against average and the second-best goals saved above expected (GSAx) at +5.6 among playoff goalies.

On the other side, Frederik Andersen is expected to start in net for Carolina after missing their series-clinching win with an injury. The layoff and potential rust is a concern, especially against a dangerous Capitals offense.

Hurricanes vs Capitals Advanced Stats

The underlying numbers also suggest the Capitals can keep this game close, even if they don’t drive play at the same level as the Hurricanes. Carolina’s 56.13% Corsi For rate and elite shot attempt differential highlights their ability to control possession, but Washington has been much more efficient at converting their chances.

The Capitals boast a 9.73% shooting percentage compared to just 6.67% for Carolina through five playoff games. When it comes to high-danger chances, Washington has scored on 14.81% compared to a paltry 4.92% for the Hurricanes.

Add in an unsustainable PDO of 1.038 thanks to strong goaltending and puck luck, and the Capitals have the right mix of factors to pull off the upset in Game 1 as appealing plus-money home underdogs.

Capitals vs Hurricanes Game 1 Props

Check out the best odds for the top goal scorers and shot takers in Game 1:

Here are the two NHL player props I’m locking for Canes vs Caps Game 1, in addition to my play on the Capitals moneyline.

• Andrei Svechnikov Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+100 at Caesars)

Svechnikov has been a high-volume shooter for Carolina, leading both teams with 22 shots through five playoff games. He peppered the Devils with nine shots on goal in the Hurricanes’ Game 5 overtime win to close out the series. Look for him to keep firing and cash this even-money prop on Tuesday night.

• Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goal Scorer (+125 at Caesars)

Few goal scorers have produced as consistently in the playoffs as Ovechkin. He led the Capitals with four goals against the Canadiens, already lighting the lamp in three of five games. Ovechkin has also tortured the Hurricanes throughout his career with 52 goals in 93 regular-season meetings. Back him at +125 odds to keep rolling in Game 1.