The Top 2 teams in the Metro Division will square off tonight in the first game of what should be a long and ultra-competitive series.
Let’s break down my Hurricanes vs. Capitals props and NHL picks for Game 1 on Tuesday, May 6.
Best Hurricanes vs Capitals props
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Connor McMichael o1.5 SOG (-167) -
Andrei Svechnikov o0.5 pts (-120) - Logan Thompson o25.5 saves (-130)
Hurricanes vs Capitals player props for May 6
Connor McMichael Over 1.5 shots on goal (-167 at Sports Interaction)
Connor McMichael averaged 2.2 shots per game this season and cleared 1.5 shots in 57% of his appearances. He was much more productive at home, though, recording multiple shots in 66% of his games.
He played very well against the Canadiens in the opening round, piling up three shots or more in four of five games — including all three in Washington.
Although the Carolina Hurricanes are a great shot suppression team, they weren’t able to slow McMichael during the regular season. He had multiple shots in three of four games and attempted at least four each time out.
That’s a sweet spot number for McMichael, who has managed a ridiculous 93% success rate when attempting four shots or more.
Andrei Svechnikov Over 0.5 points (-120 at Sports Interaction)
Andrei Svechnikov was the best player on the Hurricanes in their first round series against the Devils. He recorded six points over five games and hit the scoresheet in four of them. He generated shots at an absurd rate, averaging 4.4 shots and 8.6 attempts per game.
Svechnikov has practiced on the top line with Sebastian Aho in the days leading up to this series. With a promotion to the top unit, and No. 1 power play time already in his back pocket, he’ll have every opportunity to pick up where he left off.
Look for a red-hot Svechnikov to make his mark in the series opener.
Logan Thompson Over 25.5 saves (-130 at Sports Interaction)
The Hurricanes are the best shot-generating team in the NHL. They led the league in 5-on-5 attempts per 60 minutes across all game states, and their numbers were even higher when the game was within a goal, which will likely be the case a lot of the time against a strong Washington Capitals team.
The Hurricanes enjoyed shooting success against the Caps in the regular season, recording 31 shots or more in three of the four head-to-head matchups. They averaged 33.75 in those games.
While the Capitals leading for plenty of time against the Canadiens no doubt factored into the numbers, it’s still worth noting Logan Thompson went over this line in three of five games — and missed by just one save in another.
Montreal was a Bottom-10 team at generating 5-on-5 attempts in the regular season while the Hurricanes were the gold standard. Expect the Hurricanes to test Thompson early and often in this one.
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