Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Game 7: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Capital One Arena – Washington, DC.

When: Wednesday, April 24, 7:30 PM EST

How (TV/Radio): FSCR, NBC Sports, TVAS, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360 | WFAN

Carolina Hurricanes (Away)

Head Coach: Rod Brind’Amour{All-Time 46-29-7 CAR}

Although coming in as the underdog, the statistics going into this first-round matchup were a lot closer than most people may have realized – and the Carolina Hurricanes have further proved that. Starting off the series by going down two games to none, the Carolina Hurricanes now find themselves taking the defending Cup champs all the way to game seven.

The Carolina Hurricanes recovered beautifully after dropping game five to Washington in a decisive 6-0 defeat. Game six saw the team refocus and take a 5-2 victory, forcing a game seven. Jordan Staal had a two-point night including the game-winning goal. Carolina outshot Washington 36-25 and had the advantage in the faceoff circle.

Goaltender Petr Mrazek will once again be between the pipes for the Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday night. Mrazek has a 2.68 goals against average and a .895 save percentage through 359 minutes of play through this first round series. He has also registered one shutout this series.

Washington Capitals (Home)

Head Coach: Todd Reirden {All-Time 48-26-8 WSH}

After starting the series with a two-game lead, the Washington Capitals have been playing inconsistent hockey – either absolutely dominating or getting absolutely dominated. They are the latest Cup favorite to be on the brink of elimination in the first round.

Washington was outrageously outshot in game six and their possession game was lackluster – allowing three third-period goals.

Braden Holtby will get the start for the defending champs for game seven. Through the first six games, Holtby has a goals against average of 2.68 and a .916 save percentage. Like his opposition, Holtby also has one shutout in round one.

The winner of this series will move on to the second round where they will meet the New York Islanders.

Series recap (Series tied 3-3) Game one: 4-2 Washington, Game two: 4-3 (OT) Washington, Game three: 5-0 Carolina, Game four: 2-1 Carolina, Game five: 6-0 Washington, Game six: 5-2 Carolina

Playoff Performers

On top of getting under the skin of the Washington Capitals, Warren Foegele has been Carolina’s top playoff performer throughout this series. Foegele has managed four goals and two assists – one of those points coming on the powerplay. He has ten shots on net with a 40 percent shooting percentage.

It’s no surprise that the peak performers for Washington have been captain Alexander Ovechkin and his linemate Nicklas Backstrom. Both have eight points throughout the first six games and three powerplay points a piece. Backstrom also has a 50 percent success rate in the faceoff circle.

Questions to answer

Can the Carolina Hurricanes become the latest underdog to overcome the odds and move on to the second round of this year’s playoff tournament?

Can Alexander Ovechkin do what he does best and lift the team on his shoulders and get the job done in another clutch moment for the Capitals?

Which goaltender will overcome – both having one shutout performance and one blowout performance a piece?

Carolina Hurricanes Injury Report

F Micheal Ferland – day-to-day (upper-body)

F Andrei Svechnikov – day-to-day (concussion)

Washington Capitals Injury Report

F T.J. Oshie – IR (fractured clavicle)

D Michal Kempny – day-to-day (torn hamstring)

Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals Predictions and Odds

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