The set-up: The Capitals took all four regular season meetings with the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes looked great over the second game, going 31-12-2 since the New Year, but I think they'll stumble in Game 1 in this difficult road venue. The defending champs also played very well over the second half and now that the post-season is here, there's no reason not to think that the defending champs won't be able to make another deep run: "It's going to be different games than the regular year," star Capitals players Alexander Ovechkin commented yesterday. "But, it's a good thing we have experience. What we did last year, we know exactly how we have to play and hopefully we'll play like that again."

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Washington is 4-1 in its last five vs. teams with winning records, while Carolina is 1-4 in its last five a road dog and only 17-38 in its last 55 when playing on three or more days rest. I think this is a very fair price.

Washington Capitals

10* play