Carolina (3-1) at Washington (1-3)
- When: May 15 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV:TNT
Hurricanes vs. Capitals – Game 5 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Carolina -163 | Total: 5.5
Washington Capitals Analysis
The Washington Capitals are facing elimination as they host the Carolina Hurricanes for Game 5. Down 3-1 in the series, Washington must string together three straight wins to keep their playoff dreams alive and push for the Eastern Conference final.
Head coach Spencer Carbery remains optimistic, emphasizing a one-game-at-a-time mentality. “It’s about winning just one hockey game,” Carbery stated. “We’ve done it before in this series. We’ve been a strong team all year, especially at home.”
Indeed, Washington has been formidable on home ice, going 4-1 at the Capital One Arena this postseason. Their only loss came in Game 1 against the Hurricanes, a tight 2-1 overtime finish.
The Hurricanes took charge in the series with two commanding home victories, outscoring the Capitals 9-2. Historically, when holding a 3-1 series lead, Carolina has always moved on, winning all eight prior series in that situation.
There were some bright spots for the Capitals in Game 4, especially in the third period when they trimmed Carolina’s lead to one before eventually falling 5-2. Alex Ovechkin finally broke his scoring drought with a power-play goal, his first of the series. Despite missing practice for maintenance, head coach Carbery reassured fans that Ovechkin would be ready for Game 5.
Washington has shuffled its lines ahead of the pivotal matchup, with Connor McMichael moving back to center on the third line, flanked by Andrew Mangiapane and Ryan Leonard. Anthony Beauvillier also saw action on the top line, while Aliaksei Protas shifted down to the second line.
Carolina Hurricanes Analysis
The Hurricanes have been living up to their billing as Stanley Cup contenders. With seasoned players like Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov, Carolina has consistently performed in the playoffs. Adding to that firepower are two young guns: Jackson Blake and Logan Stankhoven.
Blake, just 21, has posted two goals and three assists in his first nine NHL playoff games, while Stankhoven, acquired from Dallas, has added three goals and two assists this postseason. Both rookies have injected fresh energy into the lineup, which head coach Rod Brind’Amour acknowledged. “They play looser; they think they’ve got 10 more chances at this,” Brind’Amour said. “It brings a good balance with our veterans who know these moments are rare.”
Eight different Hurricanes skaters have registered at least five points so far in the playoffs, showcasing their depth and balanced attack.
Game 5 Prediction:
The Capitals are resilient at home, but the Hurricanes have been dominant with their depth and experience. Carolina is likely to close this series out with a 4-2 win, sending Washington to an early offseason.
Score Prediction: Hurricanes 4, Capitals 2
Best Bet: Carolina Puckline -1.5 (+163)
Total: Over 5.5 (+105)
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
