The Capitals dropped Game 1 in overtime and find themselves as +140 home underdogs on the Moneyline for Game 2 tonight. On DraftKings Sportsbook, the game total is set at O/U 5.5 goals and the starting goaltenders will be the same as Game 1––Frederik Andersen and Logan Thompson.
Please read below for my top prediction and pick for tonight’s second-round Game 2 matchup between the Capitals and Hurricanes.
Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 2 preview, prediction
Carolina out-shot Washington 33-14 in Game 1 but never once led until the game-winning overtime goal by Jacob Slavin. There were five combined power play opportunities but neither team was able to convert, and Alex Ovechkin was completely silenced, totaling just one shot on goal, his lowest mark of the postseason thus far. The Hurricanes have not allowed a single power play goal this postseason, either, suggesting the Capitals will have their hands full in that department.
Carolina’s annual postseason disappointment usually stems from its lack of offensive production but it just won a game because its offense was better. Thompson stopped 31-of-33 shots but that doesn’t even account for the Capitals’ whopping 32 blocked shots. Andersen faced just 14 shots, Washington’s lowest output of the postseason.
Yet, the game was still decided in overtime. Game 1 felt like a true outlier, and I’d be willing to bet the Caps come out firing in Game 2. They rank fourth in 5v5 goal percentage and first in goals above expected, which sounds like a winning formula on most nights. While Carolina doesn’t fully match Washington’s 5v5 metrics, it still creates quality chances, ranking first in expected goal percentage and second in high-danger chances.
Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 2 pick, best bet
It’s the playoffs, so all games are considered “must-win” but Game 2 is truly a must-win game for the Capitals. I liked them in Game 1 at plus odds and I like them again tonight. The series will shift to Carolina for Games 3 and 4, and Washington will be focused on picking up a win before heading on the road. Thompson carried the team in Game 1 and simply needs some offensive support in this one. I doubt Ovechkin will be completely shut down two games in a row, either. The bottom line is the Caps were the better regular-season team and will do everything they can to avoid going down 0-2 in the series.
