Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction 12-20-24 NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes prediction for this NHL game on Friday, December 20th at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 21-8-2 this season after they lost to Chicago by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Washington led 2-0 in the first period, but they allowed three goals in the third for the loss. The Capitals were outshot by a total of 23-22, won 61.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Dubois and Mangiapane, while Thompson stopped 20 out of 23 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Capitals lost to Dallas by a score of 3-1 but did win the four games before that. Washington has scored 3.81 goals per game and they have allowed 2.68 goals against per game, while also going 20.8% on the power play and 83.8% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 11 goals, 27 assists, and 53 shots on goal, while Charlie Lindgren is 9-6-0 with a 2.69 goals against average and a .902 save percentage this year. The Capitals will play the Kings, Bruins, and Maple Leafs next.

Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes are 20-10-1 this year after they defeated the Islanders by a score of 4-0 in their last game. Carolina scored twice in the first and twice in the second in the shutout win. The Hurricanes were outshot by a total of 32-29, won 46.2% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Carolina got goals from Aho, Jost, Martinook, and Svechnikov, while Kochetkov stopped all 32 shots that he faced in the win. 

Prior to that win, the Hurricanes defeated the Blue Jackets by a score of 4-1 but did lose to Ottawa by a score of 3-0 before that. Carolina has scored 3.61 goals per game and they have allowed 2.77 goals against per game, while also averaging 27.3% on the power play and 85.3% on the penalty kill this season. Martin Necas has led Carolina with 14 goals, 30 assists, and 74 shots on goal, while Pyotr Kochetkov is 13-5-0 with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage this year. 

Why the Hurricanes will beat the Capitals

• The Capitals have lost five of their last six night games at Capital One Arena.
• The Hurricanes have won five of their last six games against the Capitals following a win.
• The favorites have covered the puck line in three of the last four games between the Hurricanes and Capitals.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four games.
• The Hurricanes have won the first period in seven of their last eight games as road favorites following a win.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Hurricanes’ last four games has gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Each of the last three games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division has gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Six of the Capitals’ last eight home games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone OVER the total goal line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last 10 games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Hurricanes’ last four games at Capital One Arena.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Pierre-Luc Dubois has recorded an assist in each of the Capitals’ last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Connor McMichael has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last 10 home games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Carolina Hurricanes Player Prop Facts

• Jack Roslovic has scored a goal in four of the Hurricanes’ last five road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Sebastian Aho has recorded at least one point in each of the Hurricanes’ last eight games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Sebastian Aho has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Hurricanes’ last eight games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction 

These two teams come into this matchup holding down the second and third spots in the Metro Division, so this is a big game for both teams. The Capitals are 9-4-2 at home this year, while the Hurricanes are 7-6-1 on the road. Washington has lost two games in a row and they have scored a total of three goals in those two losses. Carolina has won three of their last four and they have outscored their last two opponents by a total of 8-1. I know Washington is great at home, but I am leaning toward the Hurricanes in this contest.