Hurricanes vs. Capitals Game 7 Prediction: NHL Playoffs Betting Odds
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Jeremy Perry
The fact that this game reached a Game 7 in the first place might be a little concerning for hockey fans in Washington. However, the Stanley Cup champs have taken care of business at Capital One Arena so far in this series, so the expectation is that they will be able to finish it off in a must-win finale.
Hurricanes vs Capitals Betting Analysis
The Hurricanes are 6-1 in their last seven games after scoring five goals or more in their previous contest. Carolina is 6-2 in its last eight games when playing on one days’ rest. The key for the Hurricanes is whether or not they can get the job done on the road in Game 7. This is not a team that thrives as a dog as they are just 14-43 in their last 57 as a dog of +151 to +200.
Washington went 24-11-6 on home ice in the regular season and has doubled down in the playoffs with three straight victories. The Capitals have won six straight times when posted as the favorite and are also 9-2 in its last 11 games as a favorite of -110 and -160.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are just 2-6 in their last eight road games overall. If Carolina is going to win Game 7, it will absolutely need its star forwards to start contributing up front.
Defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Jacob Slavin are tied for the team-lead with six points. Rookie forward Warren Foegele also has six points. However, the Hurricanes need more from veteran forwards like Jordan Staal and Justin Williams if they are going to close out this series on the road. Williams in particular, who is known for his ability to perform in the postseason, has just one goals and three points in this series to date. Although, he did score an important goal in Game 6. Sebastian Aho led Carolina with 83 points in the regular season but has just one goal and four points so far in this series, which isn’t bad but isn’t enough.
At the defensive end of the ice, the Hurricanes will be banking on a strong performance from goaltender Petr Mrazek. We’ve talked about this a few times now but the goaltender splits have been huge as both netminders have played much better at home than on the road. Mrazek has allowed 13 goals in three games in Washington compared to just three goals in Carolina. Can Mrazek buck that trend?
Washington Capitals
Washington has been in this type of situation before and it has the superstars to lean on. Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom have led the way up front with eight points each in the series. Evgeni Kuznetsov and John Carlson have chipped in with six points each so far. The Capitals absolutely need their star players to step up in Game 7.
It will be very interesting to see how goaltender Braden Holtby responds following a disappointing performance in Game 6. Holtby, who gave up four goals on 35 shots in the Game 6 loss, has been much better on home ice than he has been on the road in this series. He has allowed just five goals in three games at home compared to 11 in three games in Carolina. Keep the ‘Canes to two – or even three – goals or less and Washington will advance.
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