Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Washington Capitals taking on the Carolina Hurricanes in this important Game 3 of their second-round series. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-1 Hurricanes
Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TNT, TruTV, TVAS, Sportsnet, Max
Game 3 between the Capitals and Hurricanes is in our spotlight in this round of NHL predictions. Washington got back on track with a 3-1 victory in Game 2. Three different goal-scorers tallied for the Caps and their defence stood tall.
Goals have been hard to come by this series with only four scored by Washington and three from Carolina. However, the series is tied heading into Raleigh, N.C. This game has all the makings of another close-to-the-vest encounter.
Let’s take a look at the main storylines and stats heading into Game 3 in this set of NHL predictions.
The Capitals Story
Washington’s defence has been fairly strong this series as previously mentioned. Carolina did get plenty of shots in the series-opener. However, the Capitals cut down that total from 33 to 28 in Game 2.
Logan Thompson has been solid in between the pipes with 58 saves between the two games. Charlie Lindgren should be back as the backup as he missed Game 2 for family reasons.
Dylan Strome leads the Capitals in points so far this post-season with 10. Tom Wilson is next up with seven in this playoff campaign.
The Hurricanes Story
Goals have been hard to come by in this series for both sides. However, the Hurricanes did accomplish a series-split after taking Game 1. Carolina is unbeaten at home in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with wins in all three home games against the New Jersey Devils in round one.
Frederik Andersen has been good in the last two games for the Hurricanes. There were some injury concerns after missing Game 5 against the Devils. However, the Dane has looked like his old self between the pipes.
Sebastian Aho lads the team in points so far with nine while Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov are tied for second on six points.
Prediction
The Hurricanes haven’t been able to put in the goals like they did against the Devils. However, they’ve been able to play a more defensive game.
Washington and Carolina are going to likely have another tight encounter. However, the Capitals get home-ice advantage back with a win.
Prediction: Capitals win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We finish up this round of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for this game on a number of sites is 5.5 and we think the under is a strong play with the way the series has been going.
As for individual props, go with Alex Ovechkin to get a goal in this one for the Capitals. On the Hurricanes side of things, take Jarvis to get a point in this one.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Game 3 Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.