The Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes meet Monday in Game 4 of their best-of-7, Eastern Conference semifinals series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Puck drop from Lenovo Center in Raleigh is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT / truTV / MAX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Capitals vs. Hurricanes odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Series: Hurricanes lead 2-1

The Capitals were shut out 4-0 Saturday in Game 3 as +208 road underdogs with the Under (5.5) cashing for the third time in the series and their fourth game in a row. The Caps managed just 21 shots and couldn’t convert on 2 power-play chances, while the Hurricanes capitalized on both of theirs. Washington is 5-3 in these playoffs — beating Montreal 4-1 in the opening round — and suffered its first shutout defeat of the postseason.

Carolina, which was a -236 favorite, took control of the series and improved to 6-1 in the playoffs — it eliminated New Jersey 4-1 in the first round — behind G Frederik Andersen’s first shutout of this postseason. RW Andrei Svechnikov’s goal 12:34 into the second period broke a scoreless tie. It was his sixth goal in these playoffs. With 1:03 to go in the period, C Jack Roslovic added his first goal of the postseason, scoring on a power play. Carolina’s final 2 goals came in the third period — from LW Eric Robinson (his first of the playoffs) and RW Jackson Blake (second of the postseason).

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Capitals at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:38 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Capitals +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Hurricanes -250 (bet $250 to win $100)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Capitals +1.5 (-135) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+115)Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)Capitals at Hurricanes projected goalies

Logan Thompson (5-3, 2.26 GAA, .922 SV% — postseason) vs. Frederik Andersen (5-2, 1.32 GAA, .940 SV%, 1 SO — postseason)

Thompson struggled in Game 3, allowing 4 goals on 28 shots for a 4.04 GAA and .857 SV%. His career record against the Hurricanes, including the postseason, is 1-4. Despite the 2 losses in this series, his career postseason numbers are decent at 7-5 with a 2.29 GAA and .922 SV% in 12 games — 8 this season and 4 with the Vegas Golden Knights a year ago.

Andersen was outstanding in Game 3, stopping all 21 shots for the fourth postseason shutout of his career. He is 14-9-3 in his career (regular season and playoffs) against the Capitals. He is 43-32 in 79 career playoff games with a 2.37 GAA and .916 SV%.

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Capitals at Hurricanes picks and predictionsPrediction

Hurricanes 2, Capitals 1

PASS.

I have the Hurricanes (-250) winning again at home and heading to Washington D.C. for Thursday’s Game 5 with a chance to end the series, but have no interest in betting this moneyline at this high a price. I’ll take my wager to the puck line.

BET CAPITALS +1.5 (-135).

Looking to bounce back in Game 4, the Capitals will fight hard to even the series. They’ve shown they can perform under pressure, but their play has been erratic with periods where they look dominant and others where they appear outmatched by the Hurricanes.

A growing concern is Thompson, whose once-unshakable form now seems vulnerable to the Hurricanes. Carolina is confident, knowing it can beat him. Meanwhile, Andersen has been outstanding, not only against Washington but throughout these playoffs.

I like this bet for 2 reasons. It covers us if the Capitals manage to pull off the win, and it also protects against a 1-goal Hurricanes victory, which I think is the most likely outcome.

BET UNDER 5.5 (-120).

With 2 outstanding goalies, the Under has been a strong play in this series. It’s 5-1-1 in the 7 meetings between these teams this season, too, including all 3 games in this series. I expect the trend to continue in Game 4. Carolina has been excellent on the penalty kill, stopping 6 of 7 power plays in this series. Plus, the ‘Canes are perfect on the kill at home this postseason.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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