Hurricanes vs. Capitals Game 2 Predictions (May 8, 2025)
The Hurricanes snuck out a win in Game 1 during OT, and won in overtime, so they have the edge heading into Game 2. Washington will get its shot at redemption on home ice, and they’ll need it to avoid being in a 0–2 hole before heading to Raleigh.
- Series Status: Carolina leads 1–0 after a 2–1 OT win
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 8, 7:00 pm ET
- Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
- Broadcast: ESPN, Sportsnet
Here are the odds courtesy of FanDuel:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Hurricanes | -1.5 (+176) | -137 | Over 5.5 (-118) |
Capitals | +1.5 (-220) | +114 | Under 5.5 (-104) |
Yesterday Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Carolina -135 | Washington +120
- Over/Under: 5.5 goals
Game 1 Recap: Canes Strike First
Game 1 went to sudden death, and Carolina just handled it better.
The Hurricanes controlled most of the game, outshooting the Caps by a wide margin and keeping them stuck in their own zone. Washington had little to offer on offense, and it caught up with them in OT.
- Slavin buried the game-winner in overtime to give Carolina the win
- The Canes outshot Washington 33–14 and dictated the pace
- Frederik Andersen stopped 13 shots in his return to the crease
- The Caps couldn’t get anything going in front of the net
- Carolina’s relentless puck pressure never gave Washington the chance to settle in
Key Storylines
We’ll see some adjustments in Game 2 due to what happened in the first match, and we’ll see which team can get more from its forwards.
Washington needs answers on offense, and Carolina’s forecheck just has to keep humming along.
- Canes’ Aggressive Forecheck – Carolina’s pressure totally threw off Washington’s zone exits and flow. If the Canes can repeat that effort, they’ll keep controlling the pace.
- Capitals Seeking Offensive Spark – Sorry, but 14 shots just won’t cut it in the playoffs. The Capitals have the talent, but they’ll need quicker puck movement and cleaner entries to get better scoring chances.
- Goaltending Duel – Andersen wasn’t tested too much, but he did what was needed. Logan Thompson, despite the loss, kept Washington alive with an impressive 31 saves. If either goalie slips up, it could decide Game 2.
Betting Trends
The numbers back up what we saw in Game 1: two teams that don’t give up much.
Carolina has been solid, and Washington responds well on home ice. Recent meetings between them have mostly leaned toward the low side of the scoreboard.
- Hurricanes: 5–1 in their last six, thanks to a tight defense and special teams play
- Capitals: 4–2 at home in their last six playoff games
- Totals: The under has hit in 4 of their last 6 matchups
Best Bets
Game 1 wasn’t a shootout, and unless one side suddenly breaks through? We’ll probably get more of the same. The following are the three angles we think are worth considering for Thursday!
- Under 5.5 Goals (-101) – Both teams are defensive-minded, and the goaltending looked really solid in the opener. If we get another game that’s heavy on board battles and light on space, the total could stay low again.
- Capitals Moneyline (+120) – Down 1–0 and playing in front of their home crowd, Washington has every reason to step it up. If they can generate a little more pressure, this one is definitely within reach.
- First Period Under 1.5 Goals (-110) – It’ll probably be a slow start as both sides feel each other out and concentrate on limiting mistakes. If Game 1 was any indicator, this game won’t open up right away.
Want to place a bet on Game 2? We recommend using one of the most trusted betting sites to make sure you get paid out fast for your winnings.
What to Expect in Game 2: Momentum or Mayhem?
The Caps are in dangerous territory, and they know it.
Carolina’s style gave them problems all through Game 1, and unless Washington finds a way to open up the ice? They’re in trouble again.
- There are very few NHL teams that make you work harder for scoring chances than the Carolina
- Washington has to create more zone time and chances
- Another low-event game wouldn’t be a surprise
Top Plays Recap
- Under 5.5
- Capitals ML
- 1st Period Under 1.5
Don’t forget to check the latest lines before placing your bets, as they can and do change! And as always, bet responsibly.
