Washington (1-2) at Carolina (2-1)
- When: May 12 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
- TV: TNT
Capitals vs. Hurricanes – Game 4 Preview and Betting Prediction
Moneyline: Carolina (-260) | Total: 5.5
Washington Capitals Analysis
The Washington Capitals head into Game 4 with their backs against the wall, down 2-1 in the series and facing the challenge of winning in Raleigh, where they haven’t tasted victory since December 17, 2023. Coach Spencer Carbery knows the magnitude of this game, emphasizing the need for his squad to play with the same resilience and grit that earned them 111 points and the Eastern Conference’s best record during the regular season.
Carbery expressed confidence in his team, stating that Game 4 is the perfect chance to reset, refocus, and deliver their best performance yet. That kind of mentality has served Washington well all season, but they’ll need more than just mindset they need goals.
One glaring absence on the score sheet so far has been Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals’ captain has been completely shut out in this series after notching four goals and one assist in the first round against Montreal. His struggles mirror Washington’s inability to crack Carolina’s defensive setup. Ovechkin had a few quality looks in Game 3, but Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen denied each one. It’s a rare dry spell for the sniper, who ended the regular season on a nine-game point streak.
For Washington to even the series, they must figure out how to generate scoring chances against a suffocating Carolina defense that excels at controlling gaps and denying entry plays. Carbery acknowledged that Carolina’s defensive structure is making it tough for Ovechkin and Dylan Strome to get clean looks.
Carolina Hurricanes Analysis
The Hurricanes continue to defend home ice with authority, taking Game 3 in a 4-0 shutout that showcased their defensive prowess and exceptional goaltending from Frederik Andersen. Carolina has now outscored Washington 17-5 in their last four meetings at PNC Arena, a testament to their dominance on home ice.
Rod Brind’Amour’s squad has been a brick wall defensively, with Andersen standing tall between the pipes. Despite missing nearly half of the regular season, Andersen leads all playoff goaltenders with a .940 save percentage and a 1.32 goals-against average. Brind’Amour credited the veteran netminder for neutralizing Ovechkin’s chances in Game 3, calling it a fortunate break but acknowledging that Ovechkin won’t stay silent forever.
Offensively, the Hurricanes have spread the scoring around 11 goals from 11 different players. No one has more than two points, illustrating their depth and balanced attack. While they haven’t been lighting up the scoreboard, they’ve been efficient enough to outclass Washington when it matters.
Prediction and Pick:
The Hurricanes are simply too dominant at home, and Andersen is playing at an elite level. With Ovechkin struggling to break through and Carolina’s defense clogging every lane, it’s hard to see Washington finding enough offense to turn things around.
Final Score Prediction: Carolina 3, Washington 1
Best Bets: Take Carolina Puckline -1.5 at (+102)
Total: Under 5.5 (-117) – The Hurricanes stifle Washington’s attack once again.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
