The NHL playoffs are arguably the toughest to predict, simply because the level of parity in the league is higher than most. While there are always two or three teams who pull away from the pack in the regular season, those teams often have a tough time carrying that over into the playoffs. It is not always the most skillful team that survives the postseason, but rather the teams with the grit and determination to play through the exhaustion and injuries that most players are experiencing once the playoffs begin. It is why we see so many dark horse teams emerge in the playoffs, with the St. Louis Blues sitting at the top of that pack last year. Another team that made an unexpectedly deep run in the postseason last year was the Carolina Hurricanes, who made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final before falling to the Boston Bruins. They are in position to make another postseason appearance this season, but if the playoffs were to start today, they would have a tough opening round series against the Washington Capitals to kick things off. Let’s see how the NHL odds could be for the Capitals vs Hurricanes.
Capitals Vs Hurricanes if Playoffs Started Today
The Capitals and Hurricanes Season to Date
After 69 games played this season, the Washington Capitals find themselves in a very familiar position, which is at the top of the top of the Metropolitan Division standings. The Capitals have a 41-20-8 record on the season, good for 90 points. It is a bit of a precarious lead, though, as they were in a bit of a swoon heading into the suspension of play, a dip in play that saw their lead at the top reduced to just a single point by the Philadelphia Flyers. The Capitals would have home ice advantage in this series, but they have been better on the road, going 18-10-5 at home versus 23-10-3 away.
Last season, the Carolina Hurricanes snuck into the postseason via the Wild Card, but they certainly made the most of their time in the playoffs. Given that run, a lot was expected of them this season, but they are basically following the same path as they did last year, which some might see as an omen if they are able to make their way into the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Hurricanes are 38-25-5 on the season, but they were on a good run before the suspension of play, winning 3 in a row. They have 19 wins at home and on the road, so they are pretty much tough to beat wherever they play.
The Capitals vs Hurricanes Head to Head
These two hooked up in the playoffs last season, with the Hurricanes winning an OT thriller in Game 7 to dispose of the Capitals. That series was tight, and it has been more of the same between these two in the regular season this year. The Hurricanes won the opening 2 meetings, with the Capitals tying up the season series in the next 2 games.
Capitals and Hurricanes Series Prediction
While there would appear to be a bit of a talent gap between these two teams, they always seem so to be evenly matched when they go head to head. With that in mind, I think we might be in for another 7-game series if they do meet in the postseason, although I think the Capitals get revenge this time around in the Capitals Vs Hurricanes series.
