Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

After the Hurricanes were 30th in the NHL in hits per 60 minutes during the regular season (17.15), they have more than doubled that with an average of 34.53 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That’s actually more than the Capitals, who have averaged 31.35 this postseason.