Washington Capitals (14-8-4) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (16-12-1)
Capitals vs. Hurricanes 12/17/23 – As the NHL season heats up, a thrilling matchup is set to take place on Sunday featuring the Washington Capitals facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals, holding a commendable 14-8-4 record, are gearing up to challenge the Hurricanes, who have a slightly less robust record of 16-12-1. This game, critical for both teams, promises to be a fascinating display of skill and strategy, making it a must-watch for fans seeking NHL free predictions.
Washington’s offense, led by Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin, poses an immediate threat. Wilson’s 10 goals and 7 assists make them formidable opponents while Ovechkin brings veteran experience and scoring abilities into play for Washington. Their offensive prowess will be key given Hurricanes defensive capabilities have been somewhat unpredictable this season.
Conversely, Carolina boasts an effective offensive unit led by Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas. Aho’s 25 points on 10 goals and 15 assists, combined with 21 from Necas, demonstrate Carolina’s scoring potential and will be crucial in breaking through Washington Capitals defense – which has proven solid but not impregnable thus far.
Capitals vs. Hurricanes 12/17/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 6:00 PM ET |
| Where: | PNC Arena |
| TV: | NHL |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper vs. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov
The starting netminder for Washington, Darcy Kuemper has not lived up to expectations so far this season. Through 14 starts, he owns a subpar 3.13 goals against average along with a troubling .892 save percentage. Both marks fall well short of his career averages. A declining save rate along with allowing over 3 tallies per contest shows clear signs of regression. Washington has struggled to keep pucks out of high danger areas, leading to quality chances against. If their goaltender cannot bail out defensive lapses, this game could get away from the Capitals. Darcy Kuemper used to steady success, he will look to right the ship against Carolina’s dangerous attack. Still, his numbers raise real questions if he can return to form this year.
In the opposite crease, Carolina’s Pyotr Kochetkov has given his team a chance more often than not. In his first full NHL season, he sports a 2.93 goals against average through 14 games played. While not elite, that mark shows promise and has kept the Hurricanes competitive. Facing an offense with renowned finishing ability will test the youngster. However, his athletic pedigree and competitiveness allows him to make highlight reel saves. If he can minimize mistakes and shut down grade A chances, Carolina’s scoring talent could take over at the other end. This home game presents an opportunity to continue his early development. Still, he will need to be sharp for Carolina to defend home ice.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds and point spreads for this matchup are yet to be determined. However, analyzing both teams’ performance and trends will be crucial for bettors. The Capitals have shown resilience in their recent games, making them a potential favorite, but the Hurricanes’ ability to surprise should not be underestimated.
Washington Capitals Betting Trends
The Capitals are 5-5 over their last 10 games and have gone over the total in just two of those contests. Washington has actually been better against the spread away from home, covering in six of their 14 road matchups. With Carolina struggling to cover at PNC Arena, there could be value on the visitors ATS.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Trends
The Hurricanes have really struggled against the number of late, failing to cover in five straight outings. Carolina is also just 5-13 ATS at home this season. However, totals have gone over in five of their last 11 games in Raleigh. With leaky defenses on both sides, the over 6.5 goals could hit again.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes 12/17/23 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this game appears to be a closely contested affair. The Capitals have the edge in terms of offensive firepower and recent form, but the Hurricanes’ potential for an upset should not be discounted.
In terms of betting picks, the safer choice might lean towards the Capitals, given their more consistent performance. However, prop bets on individual player performances, such as goal scorers or point accumulators, could offer exciting opportunities. The over/under for this game will depend largely on the goaltenders’ form on the day.
In the dynamic world of NHL, surprises are always around the corner, making this an exciting game to watch and bet on. Keep an eye out for expert premium picks closer to the game day for more refined predictions.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington Capitals 3, Carolina Hurricanes 2