The Washington Capitals are set to host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals on Thursday, aiming to tie the series. Carolina took the opening game with a 2-1 overtime victory on the road, with Jaccob Slavin scoring the winning goal. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
According to the latest betting odds, Carolina is favored on the money line at -135, while Washington is the underdog at +115. The over/under for total goals is set at 5.5, and the Hurricanes have a -1.5 puck line advantage at +195 odds. For informed betting decisions, insights from SportsLine`s well-regarded model are available.
Here are some top betting picks recommended by the model for the Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 2:
Capitals +1.5 (-230)
The two most recent encounters between these teams were decided by a single goal, and the model projects Game 2 to be another close contest where the home team remains competitive. Despite Carolina`s significant 33-14 shot advantage in Game 1, Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals will look to increase pressure on the Hurricanes` defense to prevent falling into a 2-0 series deficit before heading to Raleigh for Game 3. The SportsLine model indicates the Capitals will cover the puck line in over 80% of simulations.
Under 5.5 Goals (-102)
The total has gone Under 5.5 goals in four of six playoff games for both Carolina and Washington. Both starting goaltenders, Frederik Andersen for Carolina and Logan Thompson for Washington, have delivered strong performances throughout the postseason. Furthermore, Carolina possesses a solid defensive core, anchored by defenseman Jaccob Slavin.
Sebastian Aho to record 1+ assists (+114)
The Hurricanes` Finnish forward had been productive with five assists in the four games leading up to Game 1, where he did not register a point. During the regular season, Aho also recorded three assists in four games played against the Capitals.
Torin Vale 
Elton Marrow