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NHL Predictions: Dec. 20 Carolina Hurricanes VS. Washington Capitals

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Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any given game to give you the scoop on what elements can change the outcome. Today, we’re looking at the contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.

NHL Predictions

Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: FDSNSO, MNMT, ESPN+

The Carolina Hurricanes are taking the trip up to the District of Columbia to play the Washington Capitals. It is the second meeting of the season between the Metropolitan Division rivals, with the first having been won by the hosting Hurricanes in Lenovo Center.

The Hurricanes Story

Starting off this set of NHL Predictions, we’ll discuss the visiting team. In the Carolina Hurricanes’ last 10 games, they’ve been 5-5-0. Steadily, they are beginning to find their footing once again after slipping in recent games. Namely, the offence is slowly but surely returning to form.

In the most recent game against the New York Islanders, all four Canes goalscorers were forwards. However, alongside the forwards and defence, one player in particular stood out in the game against the Isles. Obvious enough, that player is the starting goaltender, Pyotr Kochetkov. Throughout the game, Kochetkov made 32 saves on all 32 shots which came to the net, securing his first shutout of the season and the ninth of his still-young career. Due to this, he is now tied for second in the league in shutouts since the 2022-23 season, the season he clenched his first. Not only that, but this feat of nine shoutouts was achieved in only 85 games. No other goalie in the league has managed nine shoutouts with fewer than 139 games played. Kochetkov spoke with the media after the win, giving the props to his teammates.

“We always play good in the defensive zone. No guys played bad in the defensive zone. I’m happy today. We have a shutout. The guys played well. The defense played well. The power play played well. The penalty kill played well.”

Alongside the old-school saves, a common sight with the 25-year-old goaltender is his tendency to lose his stick. And, of course, he was pressed on that – giving a snappy and colourful response, as per usual.

“This season I do better! Last season, it’s every game – five time in the period, I no have stick. I worked in the summer for my f—ing stick and my hand. I think so, this season a little better.”

The Capitals Story

The Washington Capitals have been crafting a thrilling story of their own this season. They spent 14 days at the top of the Eastern Conference before falling behind ever so slightly following two straight losses to Western Conference teams.

In their most recent game, they faced the Chicago Blackhawks, who’ve been sitting at the bottom of the league for a while now. Opening the first period, Pierre-Luc Dubois notched his fifth goal of the season for an early lead. Still in the first, Andrew Mangiapane dazzled with a phenomenal goal, the style reminiscent of the earlier days of the team’s Captain, Alex Ovechkin. However, that was all she wrote for the Caps in that period, and the next…and the next.

They held a 2-0 lead up until the first minute of the third period, when Ilya Mikheyev netted a shorthanded goal. With a little over five minutes left in the game, TJ Brodie tied it up. And finally, Ryan Donato sealed the deal with a wrister with minutes left – the final goal of the game and the win going to the home team. Ironically, all three of the Hawks’ goals were assisted by longtime Hurricanes player, Teuvo Teravainen, who returned to the team where he spent his early years in the offseason.

Per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Alex Ovechkin has the potential to return prior to Christmas break. With two more games after the upcoming one, it is highly unlikely we will see him play against the Canes in this game. Nonetheless, it could be something to keep an interested eye on for the future.

NHL Predictions Featuring the Carolina Hurricanes at the Washington Capitals

This will likely be a hard-fought win for either team. Both teams have been dynamic this season while displaying some interesting moments. Of course, I have to mention Tom Wilson and his season so far. He has been on one heck of a tear, already standing out with 11 goals in just 31 games. Last season, in 74 games, he notched 18. In the Caps’ game against the Montreal Canadiens earlier this month, he took a puck to the face from teammate Jakob Chychrun. Despite breaking a bone in his sinus cavity, he returned to the game and lit the lamp twice in a row to tie the game and get the winning goal.

As for the Canes, we have to talk about the defence. Of course, the defence has been showing off some serious offence, as we have been over in previous installments. But in particular, star shutdown defenceman Jaccob Slavin has been shining this season with his primarily defensive play. Remaining consistent in limiting scoring opportunities from other teams, he leads the league in takeaways with 31. Furthermore, he leads the Canes’ second in takeaways, Brent Burns, by 10. In addition to takeaways, Slavin also leads the team in blocks, with 50. Once again leading Burns in second, though this time by six.

As mentioned before, this will likely not be an easy win for either team. The Canes and Caps have good numbers in both points generation and preventing such for the opposition. With the similar positioning of the two in the Metropolitan Division, and the rivalry that is the Metropolitan Division, both teams will have a need to win. The outcome is up in the air and truly depends on the consistency of each component in the game. If any position fails to meet its usual and exceed it, the other team is likely to win. I would not be surprised at all if both teams leave with a point.

Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3 in overtime

Your Nightly Bets

For the Canes, a certain Fish and Marty have been bringing the party. Those two being Sebastian Aho and Jordan Martinook. The forwards had been falling behind during a slump in the Canes’ last 10 games. However, now they’re climbing their way out of that rut, and leading the way are Aho and Martinook. Both are on a two-game goal streak and have remained consistent in firing the puck.

As for the Caps, I would keep an eye on Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome. They have been impressive lately. Both sit on Washington’s top two lines, playing alongside teammates who consistently assist with goals.

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Main Photo: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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