Hurricanes vs. Capitals Predictions, Odds, & Best Bets: Game 5

The Washington Capitals are on the brink of elimination after falling 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes in Monday’s Game 4. 

Alex Ovechkin’s squad was outscored 9-2 across two games at Lenovo Center and is now staring down the barrel of a 3-1 deficit in the second-round series.

Before the series shifts back to Washington on Thursday, I’ll examine the latest NHL odds and make my Hurricanes vs. Capitals best bets for Game 5.

Hurricanes vs. Capitals Odds: Game 5

• Hurricanes spread: -1.5
• Capitals spread: +1.5
• Total: 5.5

Hurricanes vs. Capitals Series Winner Odds

After defending home ice in Game 4, the Hurricanes’ odds to win the series shortened from -600 to -2500 at the BetMGM online sportsbook. That price gives Carolina an implied probability of 96.1% to advance to the conference finals.

Meanwhile, the Capitals’ odds fell from +425 to +1100, implying Washington has an 8.33% chance to win three straight games.

Hurricanes series winner odds: -2500

Capitals series winner odds: +1100

Hurricanes vs. Capitals Predictions & Best Bets for Game 5

While I don’t see Washington climbing out of this 3-1 hole, I’m backing the Capitals (+145) as one of my best hockey bets for Game 5.

Spencer Carbery’s squad didn’t play as poorly as Monday’s scoreline would indicate, as Washington (2.19) created more expected goals than Carolina (1.80) at 5-on-5, per MoneyPuck. 

Still, the Canes outscored the Caps 4-1 at even strength, thanks to a subpar performance between the pipes from Washington’s Logan Thompson (-1.62 goals saved above expected). The 28-year-old netminder should’ve done better on Carolina’s first two goals, but was hung out to dry by his defence on the following two.

The Caps have won four of five postseason games on home ice. I think they stave off elimination on Thursday against a Carolina team that struggles on its travels, posting the fewest regular-season road wins (16) of any team in the playoff field.

I also expect this game to have under 5.5 goals (-115). The first three games of this series fell short of this total, and Game 4 only went over because of a five-goal third period.

All five of Washington’s home games this postseason have gone under this total, including three matchups against the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1. This second-round series has been defined by defence and goaltending, and I think that continues on Thursday night.

Hurricanes vs. Capitals Series Schedule

Hurricanes vs. Capitals Playoff History

This series will be the second playoff meeting between the Hurricanes and Capitals. 

Carolina won a 2019 first-round matchup between the two in seven games.