Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction, 12/17/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes

Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023

Location: PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC

TV: Bally Sports South

Odds/Point Spread: Capitals (+145) Hurricanes (-188)

The Carolina Hurricanes (16-12-2) will try to defeat the Washington Capitals (14-8-4) at PNC Arena on Sunday. The moneyline on this contest has the Capitals at +145 while the Hurricanes are coming in at -188. The over/under comes in at 7.

The Washington Capitals had a decent effort after finishing in a 3-3 tie against the Flyers in their previous contest . The Capitals played like an average offensive team in this game. In the outing, they converted 3 of the 30 shots they put on net. They also had 3 power play opportunities and were able to score 1 goal. Washington accounted for 10 penalty minutes for this contest.

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When playing at even strength, the Capitals let the opposition score 58 goals while getting 58 on offense. Washington Capitals opponents have tallied 84 power play opportunities (28th in the NHL) and have a total of 16 goals in those chances. Pertaining to scoring goals, the Washington Capitals have racked up 65 goals (31st in the National Hockey League) on the campaign and have surrendered 74. Washington has taken 727 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 8.9%. For the year, the have a total of 32 points and their points percentage comes in at .615. The Capitals thus far have had 812 shots attempted against them and hold a save percentage of .909. Washington is sitting with 76 power play chances and they have tallied 7 goals out of those tries, earning them a percentage of 9.21%.

The man in net for this game is Darcy Kuemper. Throughout his time in hockey, Kuemper has tallied 193 quality starts and his quality starts rate is .548. His save percentage currently sits at .915 for his 20,887 mins between the pipes. Kuemper has seen 10,546 shot attempts taken against him and has amassed 9,652 saves. The opposition has scored 894 goals against Kuemper in his professional hockey career and his goals against rate is 2.57. He has earned a record of 171-127-45 and he was named the starter in 352 games. Kuemper has participated in 370 games throughout his hockey career.

The last time they were on the ice, Carolina faced the Predators in a matchup where the Hurricanes took a loss by a tally of 6-5. The Hurricanes netted 5 goals of the 31 shots on goal they attempted. They had 3 power play opportunities in this one and converted 2 out of those tries.

So far this season, the Carolina Hurricanes have accumulated 98 goals, 34 points, in addition to a points percentage of .567. They have granted a total of 98 goals to be scored by of a combination of 79 goals at even strength and 19 goals while they were shorthanded. The Hurricanes have scored 75 goals at even strength and 23 goals (10th in professional hockey) while on the power play. They have recorded 101 power play opportunities and they have earned a power play percentage of 22.77%. Carolina has attempted 1,022 shots (1st in professional hockey) and has a shot percentage of 9.59%, while allowing the opposition 764 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill percentage of 80.21% on their opponents 96 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently comes in at 87.2%.

On the other side of the ice you are likely to see Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes. He has accrued 900 stops out of the 997 shots taken, which gives him a save % of .903. Kochetkov has accumulated a career record of 21-13-6 and has participated in 41 contests. He has been a starter 37 contests and has racked up 2,288 mins. Kochetkov's quality start percentage sits at 56.8% and he has made 21 quality starting assignments in his NHL career. The opposition is averaging 2.54 goals/game and he has allowed 97 goals altogether.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Washington (+145)

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