The Washington Capitals (14-10-4) travel to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes (16-13-2) on Sunday, December 17th. This game will be played at PNC Arena in Raleigh. Both the Capitals and Hurricanes will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 ET.

Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes

The Washington Capitals Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

This season, the Capitals have an overall record of 14-10-4. On the road, Washington holds a 6-5-2 mark, and they are 8-4-2 when playing at home. In the Eastern Metropolitan division, they are currently 6th, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 11th. Washington’s average scoring difference this season sits at -0.4, which has contributed to their overall puck line record of 12-15. When playing at home, they have a scoring margin of -0.2, and on the road, it is -0.6.

After suffering a 3-1 loss on the road to the Predators, the Capitals are looking to bounce back today. On the offensive front, the Capitals failed to score in the first or third periods against the Predators, but they found the net one time in the second period. The team’s one goal were the result of a power play. Throughout the game, they managed to register 22 shots on goal and committed 14 giveaways.

Entering the game as the underdog, Washington not only suffered a straight-up loss but also failed to cover the puck line. The over/under line for the game was 6, and it concluded with a combined total of 4 goals.

The Carolina Hurricanes Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

This season, the Hurricanes have put together an overall record of 16-13-2. When playing on the road, Carolina has gone 8-10-0, while their home record stands at 8-3-2. Their current record places them 4th in the Eastern Metropolitan division and 8th in the Eastern conference. Carolina’s average scoring difference this season sits at .0, which has contributed to their overall puck line record of 10-20. When playing at home, they have a scoring margin of +.6, and on the road, it is -0.3.

The Hurricanes aim to bounce back following their 6-5 loss at home to the Predators. In terms of offense, the Hurricanes netted two goals during the opening period and three times in the second period. Of Carolina’s five goals, two were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 31 shots on goal and seven giveaways.

Carolina was favored by -1.5 giving them a loss vs. the puck line. The combined total of 11 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6 goals for the game.

Washington Offense Breakdown

The Capitals come into the game scoring an average of 2.4 goals per game, putting them 31st in the NHL. Regarding shots targeted at the goal per game, they are 32nd in the league. The Washington offense is ranked 32nd in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 25th in the NHL.

This season, the Capitals’ have an over/under record of 9-17-1. Throughout the season, they have played 16 games that did not exceed the 6 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 5.4 goals per game.

Carolina Offense Breakdown

The Hurricanes come into the game scoring an average of 3.3 goals per game, putting them 10th in the NHL. Regarding shots targeted at the goal per game, they are 1st in the league. The Hurricanes went 14-10 in games where they had more shots than their opponents. However, in games with fewer shots on goal, their record was 2-1.

So far, the Hurricanes have an over/under record of 14-15-1. Coming into the game, they have played 15 games that went beyond the 6 over/under line. Their games, on average, had 6.6 goals per game.

Washington Team Defense

In terms of defense, the Capitals head into the game ranked 26th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 30.9 shots per game against Washington. So far, they are 17th in shutouts, achieving 2 shutouts.

Carolina Team Defense

In terms of defense, the Hurricanes head into the game ranked 30th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 25.3 shots per game against Carolina. So far, they are 11th in shutouts, achieving 2 shutouts.

Capitals vs Hurricanes Trends

• Across the Capitals last ten road games, the team averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 2. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 5-5, while going 5-5 straight-up.
• In their last ten games at home, the Hurricanes have a straight up record of 5-5 while going 3-7 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 2 goals per game in these contests.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Carolina has an puck line mark of 6-4 while going 3-7 straight up.
• Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Capitals have an overall record of 2-1 while going 1-2 against the spread.

Capitals vs Hurricanes Prediction

When it comes to a straight moneyline bet, look no further than the Hurricanes. Nevertheless, given the payout of -238, you could also think about incorporating this bet into a parlay.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Capitals to cover. Even in the event of a Hurricanes victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Capitals should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.