The Washington Capitals are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, needing a win to avoid elimination. The Hurricanes have seized control of the series, leading 3-1 after securing back-to-back victories on their home ice with scores of 4-0 in Game 3 and 5-2 in Game 4. The pivotal Game 5 is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
Looking at the betting lines, Carolina enters the game as the favorite with -170 money line odds. Washington is listed as the underdog at +142. The total number of goals scored is set at 5.5, and the Hurricanes have a puck line of -1.5 (+154). These betting insights are informed by analysis from a respected sports projection model.
This projection model is known for simulating every NHL game 10,000 times and has demonstrated a solid track record in the 2025 NHL playoffs, particularly on top-rated puck-line and over/under wagers.
Expert Betting Picks
Capitals +1.5
Despite Carolina`s dominance in recent games, Washington has historically played closer contests when on home ice. The Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin, have successfully covered the puck line in four out of their five home playoff games this year. Their only home loss where they didn`t cover was a tight 2-1 overtime defeat to the Hurricanes in Game 1. The projection model strongly favors the Capitals covering the puck line in Game 5, doing so in over 80% of simulations.
Andrei Svechnikov Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov has consistently been driving offense by directing pucks towards the net. The Russian winger has surpassed the 2.5 shots on goal mark in three of his last four games. Across nine playoff games, he has accumulated a total of 31 shots, including a notable six-shot performance in Carolina`s opening round against the New Jersey Devils.
Dylan Strome 1+ Point
Dylan Strome has been a key offensive contributor for the Capitals throughout the playoffs. He currently leads all players in the series with 11 points recorded over nine playoff contests. His performance includes an impressive nine assists across those games, with two assists coming against the Hurricanes. Strome also had a strong regular season at home, tallying 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 41 games at Capital One Arena.
