The set-up: So far home ice has meant everything in this series. The Capitals easily took both Games 1 and 2 at home, before the Hurricanes returned the favor on their home ice. Both teams followed a same regular season pattern in that they started slowly and then came on like "gang busters" to end the regular season. It wouldn't be difficult to write a convincing argument for either of these teams to win this game, but as stated off the top, so far "home ice" has been a big difference maker in this series and I see no reason at all for that pattern to snap here.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Carolina is just 3-8 in its last 11 after back-to-back home victories, while Washington is 35-13 (+19.7 units) in its last 48 after scoring one goal or less in its previous contest. For all the reasons listed above, lay this reasonable price.

Washignton Capitals

10* play