The Carolina Hurricanes have the Washington Capitals on the ropes ahead of Thursday's Game 5 at Capital One Arena.
Carolina has recorded 50 more shots than allowed in this series — with a lot coming from defenseman — and my Hurricanes vs. Capitals predictions expect Shayne Gostisbehere to be involved heavily once again.
Let’s dive deeper into my NHL picks for May 15.
Who will win Hurricanes vs Capitals Game 5?
The Carolina Hurricanes sure seem to have the Washington Capitals' number. They’ve outscored them by six goals through four games and have recorded 50 — yes 50 — more shots.
They always seem to have the puck, and their relentless forechecking and pressure style have given the Capitals fits. Home ice or not, it’s tough to slow the Canes down when they’re attacking downhill like they have in this series.
Hurricanes vs Capitals prediction
My Hurricanes vs Capitals pick: Shayne Gostisbehere Over 1.5 shots (-115 at Sports Interaction)
Shayne Gostisbehere has let it fly from the point in this series. He recorded eight attempts or more in the first three games and has combined for 29 through four contests — good for an average of 7.3 per night.
Gostisbehere is generally not someone who needs a lot of volume to have shooting success. He cleared 1.5 shots in 65% of his games this year when attempting four or more, which is the lowest output he’s produced in any game this round.
Raising the floor to seven, which aligns with his series average of 7.3, Gostisbehere has recorded multiple shots in a whopping 75% of games.
The Hurricanes have spent a ton of time with the foot on the gas, and their entire system is predicated upon grinding teams on the forecheck and working the puck low to high, which is why three of Carolina’s four leaders in shot attempts against Washington are defensemen.
That’s not going to change, and Gostisbehere will benefit more than anybody. Why? He hasn’t started a single shift in the defensive zone through four games. Not one.
All of his shifts have started in the neutral zone or offensive zone, meaning the Hurricanes are deploying him in situations where he’s ready to hit the ground running and put his offensive skillset to use.
That’s led to a lot of shot volume and, based on usage, there’s no reason to expect different moving forward.
Hurricanes vs Capitals same-game parlay (SGP)
Shayne Gostisbehere 2+ shots
Seth Jarvis 2+ shots
Under 6.5
Seth Jarvis is averaging 2.8 shots on six attempts against the Capitals. He’s recorded multiple shots in three of four games, including both road dates to start the series.
The Hurricanes have out-attempted the Capitals 66-33 with Jarvis on the ice at 5-on-5, and he's spending a ton of time in the offensive zone and has the volume to show for it.
Jarvis has also taken on an elevated role as the games have progressed, spending more time on the top line with Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov.
Lastly, I'm targeting an alternate total and the under in this game. Three of the first four meetings featured four goals or fewer. In an elimination game for the Capitals, I expect a tight, low-scoring contest regardless of which team prevails.
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Hurricanes vs Capitals odds
Hurricanes vs Capitals live odds
Hurricanes vs Capitals opening odds
- Puck line: Carolina -1.5 (+140) | Washington +1.5 (-170)
- Moneyline: Carolina -190 | Washington +155
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+100) | Under 5.5 (-120)
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Hurricanes vs Capitals trend
Shayne Gostisbehere has attempted at least six shots in five of the last six games against Washington. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Capitals.
How to watch Hurricanes vs Capitals
| Location | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | Thursday, 5-15-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, Sportsnet |
Hurricanes vs Capitals latest injuries
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