Capitals vs Hurricanes Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight - NHL
A couple of Metropolitan Division rivals square off tonight at PNC Arena when the Carolina Hurricanes host the Washington Capitals as heavy favorites in the NHL odds.
Carolina has certainly struggled this season but comes into tonight’s contest on a three-game point streak, picking up five of a six possible points over that span, and has a good chance to keep the run going against a Washington team playing on back-to-back nights.
Find out if the hosts can keep their streak going in our Capitals vs. Hurricanes NHL picks and predictions for Sunday, December 17.
Capitals vs Hurricanes odds
Capitals vs Hurricanes predictions
It’s been a bit of a strange season for both the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes, with both teams falling short of expectations so far. The Hurricanes won the Metropolitan Division last season and finished second overall in the NHL standings but cling onto a Wild Card spot right now, while the Capitals are a couple points out of playoff position.
A lack of offense has been an issue for both clubs. The Canes rank 14th in the league in goals per game (3.27) while the Caps rank 30th (2.44) while getting just five goals from Alex Ovechkin in 27 games. Meanwhile, Sebastian Aho leads Carolina with just 26 points in 27 games — half of what Nikita Kucherov has tallied to lead the league in points at this stage.
That’s culminated in a lot of low-scoring games for these teams, as the Capitals have totaled six goals or fewer in three of their last four and eight of their last 11 outings, while the Hurricanes have seen six or less in four of their previous seven contests.
This will be the first meeting between Carolina and Washington this season but each of the last three have finished with five goals or fewer. I’m expecting a similarly low-scoring contest tonight, which is why I’m taking the Under on 6 goals as my best bet.
My best bet: Under 6 (-112 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a Sportsbook or betting site.
Capitals vs Hurricanes same-game parlay
Under 6.5
Sebastian Aho anytime scorer
Hurricanes to score first
No-sweat promo available
Along with taking the Under on 6.5 goals, I’ll also look for Aho to score and the Hurricanes to break the ice as part of tonight’s same-game parlay.
Aho leads the Canes with 11 goals this season and added to his tally on Friday against the Predators. The forward has three goals in his last three Games and a team-leading five goals in December.
The Canes have scored first in 14 of their 30 games this season, going 9-4-1 in those contests, while the Caps have opened the scoring just nine times in 27 outings, so it’s likely the hosts break the ice tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NHL bonuses
All Users
Get one no-sweat SGP every day
Bonus bets back if your wager doesn’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Get up to $1,500 bonus bets back
If your first bet doesn’t win! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best Sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Capitals vs Hurricanes moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Hurricanes skate into tonight’s Game as a massive favorite on home ice, opening at -235 on the moneyline with the total set at 6. While I don’t think Carolina is a runaway favorite, I think the Canes should get the job done in a low-scoring battle.
Carolina’s biggest issue this season has been goaltending as the club ranks dead last in team save percentage at .876. The team itself has actually been pretty solid defensively, though, allowing just 2.29 expected goals against per 60 minutes at five on five, which ranks third in the NHL.
Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start in net for the Hurricanes and he’s been excellent over his last two outings, allowing just two goals on a combined 58 shots. If he can make the saves he should make, the hosts should control the flow of play and take two points.
The offense has really dried up for the Capitals this year with Ovechkin not able to supply his usual amount of goals so far. Dylan Strome has had a renaissance with a team-high 12 goals in 27 games, but only he and Tom Wilson have hit double-digits for Washington, leaving the club with just 66 goals on the year — the second-lowest mark in the NHL.
Washington is averaging just 2.50 GPG over its last eight outings — if that trend continues, we should see another low-scoring game that cashes the Under.
Capitals vs Hurricanes betting trend to know
The Under is 4-2 in the last six meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Hurricanes.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a Sportsbook or betting site.
Capitals vs Hurricanes game info
| Location: | PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC |
| Date: | Sunday, December 17, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Monument, Bally Sports South |
- NHL odds
- NHL picks
- NHL player props
- Stanley Cup odds
- Hart Trophy odds
- Best NHL betting sites
- Today’s NHL matchups
Capitals vs Hurricanes latest injuries
🕒Vermont: Sports betting is coming!🕒
Vermont sports betting will launch on January 11 — but you can pre-register now with FanDuel and DraftKings!
Check out the best Vermont sports betting apps (as more brands launch in the Green Mountain State), as well as the best Vermont sportsbook promos!
21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
Comments
Post a Comment