Home ice advantage can be something of a cliché when it comes to the Stanly Cup Playoffs. But in the series between the Capitals and Hurricanes home ice has meant victory. The home team has won all six of the games in this series. Which leads to the seventh and deciding game on Wednesday at Washington. Of course, the defending Stanley Cup champions will be the betting on NHL games favorite. However, another legend in that the seventh game of a NHL playoff series is a coin flip. A seventh game can often be decided on a lucky bounce.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals Game 7
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricanes | +1½ (-245) | 5½ (-105) | +135 |  |
| Capitals | -1½ (+205) | 5½ (-115) | -155 | |
| ||||
Hurricanes vs. Capitals TV Coverage: NBCSN
Carolina Hurricanes
With their season on the line and facing elimination the Hurricanes scored an impressive 5-2 win in game six. Among the heroes was Jordan Staal with a goal and assist with a plus two in the win. Concurrently Dougie Hamilton had a goal with an assist and a plus one. Goaltender Petr Mrazek stopped 23 out of 25 Washington shots. Likewise, the win showed the resurgence of the franchise. Carolina played all three of their series home games in front of ferocious sellout crowds. In just one year as new owner Tom Dundon has made a profound impact.
Washington Capitals
Now Washington may be the defending Stanley Cup champion but they are not at their same level as last year. The departure of head coach Barry Trotz last summer has meant a return of bad habits on the defensive end for the Caps. In fact, Washington slipped to 17th in the NHL for goals against and 24th for penalty killing. And it is that erratic back end that gives Carolina the upset opportunity for betting on NHL games.
Hurricanes on the Ice
Carolina has shown good balance and been led by a variety of players in this post season matchup. At the beginning is defense man Doug Hamilton with three goals and three assists with a plus four. Left winger Warren Foegele has added four goals with two assists and a plus six. Veteran center Jordan Staal has added two goals with three assist and a plus two. Of great concern is the inconsistency of goaltender Petr Mrazek. As an example, Mrazek has a save percentage of .895.
Capitals on the Ice
Center Niklas Backstrom has been atop the offshore bookmaker scoresheet for the Capitals. So far Backstrom has five goals with three assists and a plus eight. Naturally left wing Alex Ovechkin also looms large for the Caps. The Great Eight has four goals with four assists. Braden Holtby has been the better goaltender in this series thus far. Holtby has a .916 save percentage with a 2.68 goals against average.
Matchup to Watch
In this situation Washington has dominated Betting on NHL games at home against Carolina. To show the Capitals have won 11 of their last 13 at Capital One Arena against the Hurricanes. Further, Holtby has been the more consistent goaltender.
Hurricanes vs. Capitals Betting on NHL Games Picks
While the first round has been precarious and filled with upsets look for Washington to move on to round two.
Hurricanes vs. Capitals Betting on NHL games online Pick: Washington Capitals
Hurricanes vs. Capitals Betting on NHL games Online Score Prediction: Capitals 3, Hurricanes 1
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