The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes, two Metropolitan division rivals, are set to meet for the very first time this season and it is always exciting when these two teams clash.
Both of these teams have different vibes about them and have each gotten off to solid starts to the season.
The Hurricanes are playing their third game in four nights but head coach Rod Brind’Amour always has his team ready to play and I expect the Canes to limit Washington’s offensive weapons in my free NHL betting picks and predictions for October 31.
Capitals vs Hurricanes best odds
Capitals vs Hurricanes picks and predictions
The Carolina Hurricanes play a very strong defensive style and tonight will be a challenge for their blue liners and netminder.
The Canes are only allowing 2.88 goals per game and sit third in the league when it comes to shots on goal allowed at 27 per game. To add to that, they are the best team in the NHL in preventing scoring chances with opponents averaging 9.12 per game. Carolina is going to smother this Capitals offense, which doesn’t get many SOG and averages 3.11 goals per game.
Frederik Andersen should get the nod for the Canes and he is hoping for a strong bounce-back game after losing to the Islanders in his previous start. Andersen hasn’t necessarily been at his best, but he has had some strong efforts early on. He is 3-2-0 on the season with a .896 SV% and a 2.81 GAA. The Canes lean on him and he should have a strong performance tonight.
The Washington Capitals have been right up there with the Hurricanes when it comes to defensive proficiency. The Caps are only allowing 2.89 goals per game and rank in the Top 5 in allowing scoring chances, only giving up 9.28 per game.
Darcy Kuemper is coming off of a very strong outing in Nashville as he shut out the Predators with a 34-save performance. Kuemper doesn’t have a Stanley Cup hangover as he has looked fantastic with his new team, skating to a record of 4-3-0 with a .919 SV% and a 2.47 GAA along with a +4.0 GSAx.
Both of these teams have been very defensive minded and when divisional opponents get together, the games are typically played a little tighter. I think Andersen and Kuemper will both be locked in, so I am going with the Under.
My best bet: Under 6 (-105 at BetMGM)
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Capitals vs Hurricanes moneyline analysis
Both teams have been relatively even at 5-on-5 play this season so this game is going to come down to goaltending and special teams. Right now, the Capitals have a narrow advantage in both categories.
Kuemper has been the better goaltender between him and Andersen as Andersen currently has a -2.5 GSAx in comparison to Kuemper’s +4.0 GSAx. The Capitals also have the better power play and penalty kill.
The Caps power play currently sits at 19th in the league, which isn’t all that great as they are converting at 20% this season going 6-for-30. The Canes aren’t that far off, but they are sitting 24th as they are 17.2% going 5-for-29.
The Caps have also been slightly better on the penalty kill as they are successful on 81.5% of their penalties while the Canes are 80.0%.
The Capitals have won five out of the last six meetings against the Canes and I believe they will continue that streak tonight.
Capitals vs Hurricanes Over/Under analysis
The Capitals have had a ton of injuries to their roster early on this season and they might be without some more key players tonight. They have been missing Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, Connor Brown, and Carl Hagelin, but they might also be without T.J. Oshie and John Carlson tonight as both are questionable for this contest.
The Hurricanes have some injury troubles as well as they will be missing Max Pacioretty, Ondrej Kase, and Jake Gardiner while Derek Stepan and Calvin de Haan are also questionable tonight.
Aside from injuries, defense has been the story for both teams thus far as neither is performing up to par when it comes to offensive categories. Their power plays are below average and the Capitals' best players haven’t necessarily been tearing it up early on this season. Alexander Ovechkin is leading the way with seven points in nine games, but he hasn’t been scoring at the rapid pace that we are used to seeing.
As I said, this game will come down to the goaltenders and special teams which is the main reason why I love this Under.
Capitals vs Hurricanes betting trend to know
The Under is 8-2 in Hurricanes' last 10 games playing on one day's rest. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs Hurricanes.
Capitals vs Hurricanes game info
| Location: | PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC |
| Date: | Monday, October 31, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NHL Network |
