Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes 12/4/2014 Free NHL Picks & Predictions
by Guy Bruhn - 12/3/2014
Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 7:00 PM ET
PNC Arena in Raleigh
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
The Washington Capitals will attempt to end their two-game losing skid on Thursday night when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes. In their first game against each other this season, the Caps were able to come away with a 4-3 win in the shootout.
The Capitals had a poor defensive outing against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday and ended up losing 4-3 on home ice. In that loss, their penalty kill allowed the Canucks to score on three out of their four power plays.
So far this season, the Capitals have been able to score 2.8 goals per game, but they are also giving up 2.8 goals per game to their opponents. Center Nicklas Backstrom has been their best offensive player this season by notching five goals and a team-high 20 assists in his team's first 24 games. Goaltender Braden Holtby has won eight of his 18 games and now has a 2.50 GAA in the year.
On Tuesday, the Hurricanes played very well on the defensive end of the ice to help them beat the Nashville Predators 2-1 at home. Goalie Cam Ward was solid in net in that win, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced.
The Hurricanes have one of the worst offenses in the league right now by only averaging 2.3 goals per game. Ward now has an 8-8-1 record on the season with one shutout, a .912 save percentage and a 2.48 GAA.
Washington Capitals Betting Trends
Washington Capitals are 10-14-0 Against the Spread
Washington Capitals are 12-11-0 against the Over/Under
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Trends
Carolina Hurricanes are 8-16-0 Against the Spread
Carolina Hurricanes are 9-12-0 against the Over/Under
Injuries to Watch
Washington Capitals
11/29/14 D Mike Green Upper Body out indefinitely
10/24/14 D John Erskine Neck out 3-6 months
10/08/14 D Dmitry Orlov Wrist out indefinitely
10/06/14 LW Aaron Volpatti Neck out indefinitely
Carolina Hurricanes
11/24/14 D Brett Bellemore Lower Body out indefinitely
11/07/14 C Jordan Staal Fibula out indefinitely
Guy's Pick: Take Washington
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