Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes Picks and Predictions December 20th 2024

Capitals Look to Reignite Offense in Divisional Battle Against Hurricanes

The Washington Capitals aim to snap a two-game losing streak and rekindle their offense when they host the Carolina Hurricanes in a key Metropolitan Division showdown on Friday night.

Capitals Seeking a Spark

Washington has hit a rare slump, scoring just three goals in its last two games—both losses. Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks marked only the second time this season the Capitals have lost back-to-back games. Forward Andrew Mangiapane, who scored his seventh goal of the season in the game, acknowledged the team’s need to rediscover its rhythm.

“Kind of just slow everywhere on the ice,” Mangiapane said. “Got to kind of learn from it. We’re a good team when we’re playing together as a five-man unit and playing quick.”

Despite the recent struggles, the Capitals remain in a strong position. They are tied for the third-most points in the NHL (44) and sit just one point behind the New Jersey Devils for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division.

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Hurricanes Finding Their Groove

Carolina, sitting third in the division with 41 points, has thrived in divisional matchups, boasting a 9-2-1 record against Metropolitan opponents. The Hurricanes are coming off a successful 3-1-0 homestand, capped by a 4-0 shutout win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

The Hurricanes’ depth has been a major factor. The line of Jordan Staal, William Carrier, and Jordan Martinook has been particularly impactful, with Martinook tallying 16 points in 31 games—his best start in his 11-year career.

“It’s nice to see them get kind of rewarded,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Their impact on the game is always there.”

Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who recorded his first shutout of the season against the Islanders, has become a reliable presence in net, especially with Frederik Andersen sidelined by injury. Kochetkov has secured 13 of Carolina’s 20 wins this season and made 19 saves in the Hurricanes’ 4-2 victory over Washington on Nov. 3.

“We know Koch is our guy,” Brind’Amour stated.

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Key Matchup: Capitals’ Offense vs. Hurricanes’ Defense

The first meeting between these teams showcased Carolina’s ability to dictate play, as the Hurricanes fired 45 shots on goal—their second-highest total of the season. Defenseman Dmitry Orlov scored twice in that game against his former team, though he has not found the net since.

Washington’s offense will need a resurgence, especially if goaltender Charlie Lindgren gets the start. Lindgren, likely in line for Friday’s game as part of Washington’s goalie rotation, has won four of his last five decisions and expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory.

“It’s a really fun team to be part of,” Lindgren said. “It has been really cool to see the way we’ve formed an identity here the first couple months. And yeah, there’s a lot of hockey left, and hopefully we keep that going.”

Game Outlook

The Capitals will need to find their scoring touch to keep pace with a Hurricanes team that thrives on creating offensive pressure. With both teams in the thick of the Metropolitan Division race, this clash promises to be a pivotal contest in shaping the standings as the season progresses.