The set-up: Washington has come out and won back-to-back road games to open the season, beating the Blues on opening night and the Islanders in Long Island just last night. Now the Capitals return home for their first home game of the year. Carolina on the other hand beat the Montreal Canadiens at home in a shootout in its opener. Petr Mrazek was 23-14-3 last year with a 2.39 GAA. Mrazek was excellent vs. the Habs in the opener, posting 33 saves and while he lost both games vs. the Capitals last year, he posted a sharp 2.56 GAA in the setbacks.

The pick: Washington has a top five offense, but after last night's contest I expect more of a methodical pace from the Capitals here. Note that Washington goaltender Braden Holtby was 4-0 vs. the Hurricanes last year, posting a tiny 2.21 GAA in the process. I believe the stage is set for a classic goaltenders battle in this one. This number is a tad high.

10* TOTAL EXPRESS on the UNDER Hurricanes/Capitals.