The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes have already clinched a playoff spot this season and will be looking to build momentum heading into the first round of the postseason. The Capitals have already clinched the top spot in the Metropolitan Division, while the Hurricanes need one win in their final five games to clinch second place and the home ice advantage that goes with it.
Despite there being little to play for in this matchup, many NHL predictions remain to be made. These two teams are bitter rivals, and there will be no shortage of intensity despite the lack of tangible rewards on the line.
Gaining momentum heading into the playoffs is crucial, and with just a handful of games left on the schedule, this is still a critical game. Alexander Ovechkin will no longer be the center of attention for the Capitals, and this gives them the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their squad before the playoffs get underway.
Matchup: Hurricanes vs Capitals Overview
- Teams: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
- Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025
- Time: Puck drop is at 7:30 PM EST
- Venue: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Win Probabilities:
The NHL win probabilities can be used to accurately assess the likelihood of victory for both teams in any NHL game. According to the NHL win probabilities, the Carolina Hurricanes have a 39.91% chance of winning this game. Alternatively, the Capitals’ strong play on home ice, combined with Alexander Ovechkin’s red-hot scoring streak, has given the Washington Capitals a 60.09% chance to win this NHL game.
Projected Final Score:
The projected final score can be generated using insights from recent NHL games in combination with expert NHL predictions. This battle at the top of the Metropolitan Division has a projected final score of Washington Capitals 4-2 Carolina Hurricanes.
Hurricanes vs Capitals Odds
The Washington Capitals may have lost the extra motivation of getting Alexander Ovechkin the NHL goal record, but they are still firm favorites to win this NHL game on Thursday night. The Capitals have been excellent at home this season, and it is no surprise to see them get the nod on the NHL odds. Both teams have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, but home ice advantage combined with a superior record this season ensures the Capitals remain favorites to win this NHL game.
| Carolina Hurricanes | Washington Capitals | |
| Moneyline | +100 | -140 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-250) | -1.5 (+171) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (-134) | Under 5.5 Goals (-106) |
Expert Prediction: Who Wins?
Why the Carolina Hurricanes Could Win
The Carolina Hurricanes have won 8 of the last 11 meetings against the Washington Capitals and will want to remind their rival that they are still the top dogs in the Metropolitan Division. The Hurricanes are led by Sebastian Aho and his 70 points this season, but their scoring depth makes them so dangerous. They have 11 players on their roster with 30 or more points this season and even have an additional trio of defensemen with 26 points each. They can generate offense regardless of who is on the ice, making it incredibly difficult for them to slow down over 60 minutes.
In goal, Pyotr Kochetkov has emerged as the starter for the Hurricanes, and backup Frederik Andersen is also having a great season for the Hurricanes. Logan Thompson has been excellent for the Capitals, and the Hurricanes will need to match his stellar saves in the crease if they hope to emerge with two points.
Finally, while the Hurricanes will likely clinch the second seed in the division, they would like to complete that feat as soon as possible, with less than a week left in the regular season.
Why the Washington Capitals Could Win
The Washington Capitals no longer have to focus on feeding Alexander Ovechkin goals and can instead shift their gaze to a potentially deep playoff run. The Capitals sit on top of the Eastern Conference and will need 100% focus on the postseason with less than a week left in the regular season. Ovechkin got his flowers, but it is now time to do the dirty work in Washington.
The Capitals have been dominant on both ends of the ice, but their offense has truly elevated them to the next level. Their 277 goals this season lead the NHL, and it is truly remarkable to see Ovechkin leading the team with 42 goals. Despite breaking his leg in the middle of the season, 39-year-old Ovechkin is fourth in the league this season. His ability to put this team on his back will not change in the playoffs, and the Capitals will want to build momentum heading into the postseason after stalling to a 5-5 record over their last 10 games.
How to Make Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Picks
These two Metropolitan Division rivals consistently produce exhilarating NHL matchups, and you do not want to get caught in the penalty box by missing out on the chance to make free NHL predictions.
The best place to make your Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals picks is Sportzino. Sportzino offers the best NHL odds for every game this season, and the wide variety of player props available ensures you will need to look no further for your NHL picks and predictions. These two teams are on a crash course for a playoff meeting later this month, and this is the perfect chance to make free NHL predictions on a potential playoff preview.
