Hurricanes vs. Capitals Game 5 Preview & Prediction (May 15, 2025)
The Carolina Hurricanes are so close to making it to the next round that we bet they can literally taste it on their mouth guards. They’ve played amazing hockey with structure, consistency, and a goalie who’s been blocking like it’s his job (it is his job). After a convincing win in Game 4, they’re ahead 3–1 in the series and could call it a wrap in Washington.
The Capitals are running out of time. Their best players haven’t made much of an impact, their power play hasn’t bailed them out, and their 5-on-5 play has been meh. Going back to Capital One Arena gives them one final chance to do a reset, but that looks like it’s gonna be an uphill battle.
Quick Hits
- Matchup: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
- Series Status: Carolina leads 3–1
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 15, at 7:00 pm ET
- Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
- Broadcast: TNT, truTV, Max
Prediction Breakdown
52.3%
47.7%
According to GamblingSite.com
Betting Odds for Game 5
If you’re putting money on Game 5, below are the current odds courtesy of BetMGM Sports:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Hurricanes | -1.5 (+145) | -175 | Over 5.5 (+100) |
Capitals | +1.5 (-180) | +145 | Under 5.5 (-120) |
FYI: Odds are subject to change, so always verify them with your sportsbook before you put money on the game!
Game Overview
Carolina dictated the flow of Game 4 from the opening faceoff. They kept the puck in Washington’s zone for long stretches, pressured the defense into making mistakes, and controlled possession across all three periods. Their forecheck didn’t let up for a second, and the Capitals had a heck of a ring trying to get any sort of clean exits.
Frederik Andersen continued to be a hero in the net. He batted away 29 shots, stayed square to everything that came his way, and didn’t give up any easy rebounds. In all four games, he’s been one of the most reliable players on the ice—calm, technical, and in total command of his crease.
On the offensive side, Carolina spread the scoring around. Aho worked low to create openings, Jarvis buried his chances around the net, and Svechnikov kept Washington’s defense pinned with every shift. These three were smarter with the puck and leapt quicker on the loose ones.
Washington looked really off-balance. Ovechkin and Carlson, the top two players, still haven’t gotten a goal this series, and their power play isn’t exactly helping them out. If that doesn’t change ASAP, their season’s gonna be over in five.
Key Matchups
This game is going to come down to two things: goaltending and if Washington’s top line can finally get something cooking. Carolina has been much steadier at both ends, and the Capitals look like they’re skating through quicksand.
Carolina Hurricanes
Goaltending Duel
- Frederik Andersen (CAR): Andersen has been locked in all series long. He tracks the puck cleanly through traffic, controls the rebounds, and stays eerily calm under all of that pressure. The Canes don’t have to overextend defensively because they know he’s behind them handling his crease. His numbers—over .950 save percentage—demonstrate that, but so does his body language. He never flinches, and he’s not about to start giving up anything now.
Offensive Leaders
- Carolina: Sebastian Aho has been tough to contain. He’s finding open space below the dots, slipping past defenders, and keeping the puck moving in high-danger areas. Svechnikov’s coming out with his usual edge by leaning on defenders and keeping plays alive along the boards. Jarvis has been brilliant with his positioning, making himself available in scoring areas and finishing when any chances come his way. It’s been a full-team effort, with each line finding ways to erode Washington’s zone coverage.
Washington Capitals
Goaltending Duel
- Logan Thompson (WSH): Thompson’s had to deal with constant pressure, but he’s held up surprisingly well considering the circumstances. He’s made important stops to keep the Capitals within striking distance, but the support in front of him just hasn’t been there. The defense is giving up way too many looks from the high slot, and Thompson’s been forced to bail them out over and over again. That’s not any kind of a plan, especially against a team that is rolling all four lines.
Offensive Leaders
- Washington: Ovechkin can’t seem to find the room to work. Carolina’s been super aggressive in taking away his lanes, especially on the man advantage, and the Capitals haven’t adapted. Carlson hasn’t been able to get clean looks from the point, and the puck movement has been sluggish. The top six haven’t produced, and unless that changes? Washington won’t stay in this series for much longer. They need way more urgency, more direct attacks, and someone to take over a shift when it actually matters.
Team Stats Comparison
Take a look at the table below to see how both teams did during the regular NHL season, so you can see how they compare!
| Category | Hurricanes | Capitals |
|---|---|---|
Goals Per Game | 3.24 | 3.49 |
Goals Against Avg. | 2.81 | 2.79 |
Power Play % | 18.7% | 23.5% |
Penalty Kill % | 83.6% | 82.0% |
Best Bets
Four games are now in the books, and the trends are pretty obvious for this series. Goaltending has been reliable, offense has been streaky, and most of the scoring comes in short bursts. Below is where the value is sitting going into Game 5!
- Under 5.5 Total Goals (-120): The goalies have been locked in, and neither one is giving up much in transition. Carolina’s structure and Washington’s lack of finish make the under a strong bet, especially in an elimination setting where teams usually clamp down.
- Hurricanes -1.5 (+110): Carolina has been the more polished squad of the two and hasn’t needed any late-game heroics to win. If they get out front again? They prove that they can stretch the lead and manage the third period on their terms.
- First Period Under 1.5 Goals (-105): Both teams have opened games cautiously, and there have been limited chances and careful breakouts. That trend will come into play again here, especially with all of the pressure Washington’s under to not fall behind early on in the game.
Ready to place a bet on Game 5 of this matchup? Check out our list of recommended betting apps to get started.
Series on the Brink: Our Final Take
Final Score Prediction: Hurricanes 3, Capitals 1
Carolina gets it done and slams the door on Washington with another low-scoring win, and it’s a wrap for the Caps.
The Hurricanes don’t need to change a single thing going into Game 5. They’re winning the battles at both blue lines, being patient in their own zone, and getting reliable shifts from all lines. Andersen is a madman in the net, and the defense in front of him is making dang sure that there are limited second chances for the Caps.
Washington’s biggest issue isn’t effort—it’s the execution. The puck movement has been sloppy, zone entries aren’t causing pressure, and their two best forwards have been stuck on the outside. Playing at home could elevate the energy, but if the finishing touch isn’t there? Carolina will settle in and wear them down again.
Carolina has been the more complete team in all four games. If they keep limiting breakdowns and playing within their structure, this matchup is over in five.
