The Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals meet Thursday in Game 5 of their best-of-7 Eastern Conference semifinals series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Puck drop at Capital One Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT / truTV / Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Hurricanes vs. Capitals odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Series: Hurricanes lead 3-1

Washington endured another tough loss in Game 4 on Tuesday, falling 5-2 and being outshot 38-21. The Capitals didn’t score until the third period, with D Jakob Chychrun getting his third goal of the playoffs and RW Alex Ovechkin finally finding the net with a power-play goal. The penalty kill was strong, stopping all 3 of Carolina’s chances. However, Washington was dominated in Carolina, outscored 9-2 over the 2 games, leaving them with a tough uphill battle in the series.

The Hurricanes maintained their strong home form, scoring 5 times as a -229 home favorite and surpassing the 5.5 goal total. D Shane Gostisbehere got them on the board in the first period, with C Seth Jarvis scoring his first of the series in the second. LW Taylor Hall netted the game-winner in the third, while D Sean Walker and RW Andrei Svechnikov added insurance goals, completing a dominant performance for Carolina.

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Hurricanes at Capitals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Capitals +145 (bet $100 to win $145)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+145) | Capitals +1.5 (-180)Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)Hurricanes at Capitals projected goalies

Frederik Andersen (6-2-0, 1.41 GAA, .935 SV%, 1 SO — postseason) vs. Logan Thompson (5-4-0, 2.46 GAA, .918 SV% — postseason)

Andersen was stellar in Game 4, stopping 19 of 21 shots. He holds a 15-9-3 career record (regular season and playoffs) against the Capitals. In 80 career playoff games, Andersen boasts a 44-32 record, with a 2.36 GAA, .916 SV%, and 4 shutouts.

Thompson struggled in his 2 games in Carolina, allowing 4 goals on 37 shots in Game 4. His career record against the Hurricanes, including the postseason, stands at 1-5. Thompson’s postseason career is 7-6, with a 2.46 GAA and .918 SV% across 13 games—9 this season and 4 with the Vegas Golden Knights last year.

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Hurricanes at Capitals picks and predictionsPrediction

Capitals 3, Hurricanes 2

BET CAPITALS (+145).

The Capitals are facing elimination and must respond to their biggest test of resilience yet. During the regular season, the Capitals led the league with 25 comeback wins, showing their ability to fight back from adversity. Washington never lost more than 3 straight games. They’ve been strong at home in the playoffs, posting a 4-1 record while outscoring opponents 14-7 at Capital One Arena.

However, the Capitals have to be better on the forecheck. Carolina has caused extended shifts in their defensive zone and limited offensive opportunities. Washington’s penalty kill has been solid, allowing just 3 goals on 11 opportunities, and that will need to continue. For Washington to have a chance, they’ll need contributions beyond Ovechkin and RW Tom Wilson, requiring more from their middle lines.

PASS.

I’m going to keep my focus on the Capitals with plus odds at home.

BET UNDER 5.5 (-120).

The Under has been a strong play between these teams, hitting 5-2-1 in the 8 meetings this season, including 3 of the 4 games in this series. I expect a return to a low-scoring game in Game 5. Both teams have been solid on the power play, with Carolina killing 10-of-12 attempts and Washington stopping 8 of 11. With 2 strong goalies in net, the Under remains a good bet.

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