Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions May 10th 2025

Crucial Decisions Await Hurricanes Ahead of Pivotal Game 3 vs Capitals in 1-1 Series

As the second-round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals returns to Raleigh tied 1-1, Game 3 looms large. History underscores its significance—teams that win Game 3 in such situations go on to win the series 66% of the time, according to ChampsorChumps.com.After a 3-1 Washington win in Game 2, the momentum is subtly shifting, and Carolina must make strategic choices ahead of Saturday night’s clash.

Roslovic or Jankowski? Hurricanes’ Key Lineup Dilemma

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour faces a crucial roster decision. Forward Mark Jankowski, who missed Game 2 with an undisclosed injury, returned to practice Friday. While his status remains uncertain, Brind’Amour hinted a decision would be made on Saturday.

Jack Roslovic, who stepped in for Jankowski, has had a streaky postseason. Despite being Carolina’s third-best regular-season goal scorer with 22 goals, he’s logged just one assist in four playoff games. His last goal came in the regular-season finale on April 17—ending a 15-game goalless drought.

Yet Brind’Amour remains optimistic:

“In a tight series where you’re looking for someone that, when he gets that chance on his stick, can he put it in the net? Rosie’s probably one of our better players,” the coach said.

Roslovic’s past performance against Washington may factor into the decision—he’s notched eight points in 18 games and scored twice against them in last year’s playoffs.

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Offensive Output Lags Despite Opportunities

The Hurricanes have struggled to convert chances into goals—managing just 3 goals on 61 shots across two games. If they hope to retake control of the series, they must sharpen their finishing.

With scoring hard to come by, Carolina must consider every offensive edge, making Roslovic’s potential impact—despite his slump—a possible x-factor.

Capitals Lean Into Underdog Role Behind Veteran Leadership

The Washington Capitals, while boasting home-ice advantage, have embraced an “underdog mentality,” as coach Spencer Carbery described. This perspective has galvanized a roster few expected to be deep in playoff contention.

Defenseman John Carlson, 35, continues to defy age, delivering a Game 2-winning goal while maintaining a +8 rating across seven playoff games. He’s added grit with three blocked shots and five hits this series.

Carbery praised Carlson’s consistency:

“It’s impressive what he’s doing at this stage, proving he’s still elite in this league.”

Goaltending: Thompson Gets the Nod Again

Goaltender Logan Thompson will start for Washington after earning his first career win against Carolina in Game 2. Charlie Lindgren, who missed the last game due to a family matter, will return as backup. Check out the latest Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Historical Precedent: A Game 3 Fork in the Road

Both teams have faced similar 1-1 series ties in recent memory, but results have varied:

• In 2022, Washington won Game 3 against Florida only to lose the next three and the series.
• Carolina’s last success in such a scenario came in 2009, beating Boston in Game 3 and winning the series in seven.

This Game 3 is more than just a momentum swinger—it may shape the destiny of the entire series.

Looking Ahead

Game 3 offers more than just a chance to take the lead—it’s a test of strategy, depth, and resilience. Whether Carolina leans on Roslovic’s potential or trusts a returning Jankowski could be a defining decision.

If the Hurricanes can solve their scoring drought and leverage their home-ice advantage, they may recapture control. Otherwise, Washington’s grit and veteran backbone could tip the scales.