NHL’s Stadium Series games played outdoors have been a hit since its introduction in 2014. The fun continues on Saturday, February 18 with the Capitals and Hurricanes colliding. The game will take place at the Carter-Finley Stadium on the campus of North Carolina State. It’s the first time that the Canes get an outdoor game. We have a complete betting guide to the 2023 Stadium Series matchup, plus three free picks to make in this article so stuck with us.
Preview of Capitals vs. Hurricanes
As we preview the Capitals vs. Hurricanes, we have to start with each’s familiarity. Both compete in the Metropolitan Division so multiple games a year against one another is the norm. As it stands, Carolina are the division leaders with 78 points. The Canes have lived up to their preseason hype, if not exceeded it — only the Bruins have more points this season. The Capitals, on the other end, are fighting for the playoff lives. They’re currently at 62 points and fifth in the division.
The teams have faced off twice this year with the same exact result each time: a 3-2 win for Carolina. Its most recent game was a few nights ago on Valentine’s Day. The Capitals failed to defend their home ice in the defeat. The story of the game was a late Washington goal that was reversed after a successful challenge for goaltender interference. The game would’ve been tied 3-3 if not for the reversal.
Unfortunately, the Capitals leader Alex Ovechkin was not on the ice then — nor will he be on Saturday. His father passed away earlier this week and Ovechkin is on a leave of absence this week, and perhaps even longer. Ovechkin leads Washington with 32 goals and 54 assists this season.
Best Bets For 2023 NHL Stadium Series
We will be making not one, but two bets for the 2023 NHL Stadium Series game. If you’re feeling risky, you could always parlay these two together at popular NHL betting sites. Whatever you decide, we’re confident in the following two picks cashing:
Over/Under Goals
When analyzing how to bet this matchup, we can’t help but start with Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen. He’s had an up-and-down season. An injury sidelined him early on, which the team used to go on an 11-game-winning streak without his services. Anderson is back now and has reminded fans and bettors alike that the Canes are, in fact, better with him on the net. The goaltender is 7-1 since returning and against the Capitals, he stopped 34-of-36 shots.
We fully expect Anderson to put a clamp on the Ovechkin-less Capitals. However, that doesn’t mean this game can’t hit the over on Carolina’s offense alone. With a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 expected on hand, we could very much see the Hurricanes feeding off that en route to a five- or six-goal performance. We’re banking on it and the over!
Moneyline
The Capitals are really weathering the storm right. We mentioned earlier that Ovechkin will not play for Washington. Over his illustrious career, Ovechkin has missed only 48 games for the franchise. The Capitals are 23-25 in those games. But he’s not the only player on the team out Saturday. No. 1 defenseman John Carlson and fourth-line center Nic Dowd are out too. The team could get top winger Tom Wilson back for this matchup, but that’s not confirmed.
We just can’t picture Washington pulling off this upset — not with a depleted roster, not on the road, and not against a proven Stanley Cup contender in Carolina. We’re confidently jumping on the ‘Canes moneyline here. Honestly, it might be worth taking the spread too cause Carolina has the potential to run away with this one.
How To Watch 2023 NHL Stadium Series?
The outdoor spectacle of Stadium Series matchups makes it a must-watch TV event. Thankfully, you won’t struggle to watch the 2023 Stadium Series contest. For those in the United States, the game will be live broadcast on ABC. The action starts at 8 pm EST.
If you’re one of the many that’ve cut the cord, you can also stream the Stadium Series game. ESPN+ will have the simulcast at the same exact time.
How To Bet On 2023 NHL Stadium Series?
If you’ve read all the way through here, then you’re ready to bet on the 2023 Stadium Series game — no ifs, ands, or buts about it. To do just that, we’ve featured the very best bookmakers on the table underneath. How do we determine the best? Welp, the ones that rated highest in our latest sportsbook review section.
But here’s the real kicker: each of these top-rated sportsbooks is offering lucrative sign-up bonuses right now. Bonuses can range from $500 to $2500 in free play, depending on what site and how much money you deposit into it. That’s a whole lot of money that could bankroll your Stadium Series betting. To cash in on these deals, reference the table below.
