The Eastern Conference's second-ranked squad, the Carolina Hurricanes (18-9-2), visit the top-ranked team in the conference, the Washington Capitals (18-9-3), on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

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Here is our pick for who will capture the win in Thursday's matchup.

In the last 10 games, the Capitals are 8-1-1 while putting up 43 total goals (six power-play goals on 30 power-play opportunities during that time, for a conversion rate of 20.0%). They have given up 21 goals.

Hurricanes vs. Capitals Predictions for Thursday

Our computer projection model for this contest predicts a final score of Capitals 4, Hurricanes 2.

Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-106)
Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
Spread Pick: Capitals (+1.5)

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Hurricanes Splits and Trends

The Hurricanes have gone 5-2-7 in overtime games to contribute to an overall record of 18-9-2.
Carolina is 7-2-1 (15 points) in its 10 games decided by one goal.
In the seven games this season the Hurricanes scored just one goal, they've finished 1-6-0 (two points).
Carolina has lost both games this season when it scored exactly two goals.
The Hurricanes have scored three or more goals in 20 games (17-1-2, 36 points).
In the 12 games when Carolina has capitalized on a lone power-play goal, it went 8-4-0 to record 16 points.
In the 26 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Carolina is 17-7-2 (36 points).
The Hurricanes have been outshot by opponents three times, and went 1-2-0 (two points).

Capitals Splits and Trends

The Capitals have a 1-3-4 record in overtime contests this season and an 18-9-3 overall record.
Washington has earned eight points (4-3-0) in its seven games that finished with a one-goal margin.
This season the Capitals registered only one goal in four games and they've earned two points (1-3-0) in those contests.
Washington has five points (2-1-1) when scoring two goals this season.
The Capitals have scored at least three goals in 21 games, earning 32 points from those contests.
This season, Washington has scored a lone power-play goal in 10 games has a record of 9-1-0 in those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Washington is 9-6-1 (19 points).
The Capitals have been outshot by opponents 10 times this season, and earned 17 points in those games.

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Team Stats Comparison

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