The Washington Capitals are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of their 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs conference semifinals series on Thursday. Washington aims to tie the series after Carolina secured a 2-1 overtime win in Game 1, thanks to Jaccob Slavin. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
According to the latest odds, Carolina is the favorite at -135 on the moneyline, with Washington listed as the underdog at +115. The total goals line (over/under) is set at 5.5. Carolina is also favored on the puck line at -1.5 (+195). Betting predictions for this matchup are available from SportsLine`s reliable model.
Here are the top betting selections for the Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 2, based on the model:
The previous two games between these teams were decided by only one goal. The model forecasts a similarly close contest in Game 2, expecting the home team to stay competitive. Although Carolina had a significant edge in shots (33-14) in Game 1, Washington, led by Alex Ovechkin, will likely push harder offensively to avoid falling behind 2-0 in the series before it shifts to Raleigh. The SportsLine model predicts the Capitals covering this puck line in over 80% of simulations.
The total has gone Under 5.5 in four out of six playoff games for both the Hurricanes and the Capitals. Contributing factors include strong performances from both starting goaltenders, Frederik Andersen (Hurricanes) and Logan Thompson (Capitals), throughout the postseason. Additionally, Carolina boasts a strong defense, anchored by Jaccob Slavin.
Carolina forward Sebastian Aho, a Finnish player, recorded five assists in his previous four games before being held without a point in Game 1. He also managed three assists in four regular-season matchups against the Capitals.
