Carolina Hurricanes host Washington Capitals in NHL clash at Lenovo Center

NHL regular season round-up

The NHL regular season continues on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with a key matchup at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Washington Capitals for a clash that could impact the early standings. The puck drops at 22:45 UTC, and fans can watch the game live on ESPN+, MNMT, and CARNHL in the United States.

standings and recent form

The Carolina Hurricanes are currently flying high at the top of the NHL standings. After seven games, they have collected 11 points from five wins and one loss, scoring an impressive 27 goals and conceding 17. Their recent form has been particularly dominant with five straight wins, including a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on 11 October and a 7-2 home thrashing of the Vancouver Canucks on 8 October. They average five goals per game in their last five outings while conceding just 2.2 per game.

In contrast, the Washington Capitals sit in eighth place after five games, holding 6 points from three wins and two losses. They have scored 17 goals and allowed 14, averaging 3.4 goals per game but conceding 2.8. Their recent form is mixed, with wins against the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins but losses to the Seattle Kraken and Tampa Bay Lightning. Notably, they were beaten 5-2 by the Hurricanes on 2 October but bounced back with a 3-1 home win over the Rangers on 9 October.

head-to-head history

This season’s two meetings have both favoured the Washington Capitals, who have won each encounter. On 2 October 2026, the Capitals secured a 5-2 away win over the Hurricanes, avenging a narrow 4-3 loss they suffered to the same opponents on 31 January 2026 in Washington. Across these two games, a total of 14 goals were scored, suggesting this fixture has been high scoring and entertaining. However, Carolina has yet to claim victory over Washington this season, adding an extra edge to their pursuit of a first win against this opponent.

what to expect

The Hurricanes arrive in confident form, unbeaten in their last five games with a potent attack averaging five goals per match. Their strong home record and current top spot in the standings make them favourites to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, the Capitals, despite sitting five points adrift, have shown resilience with three wins from five games and will look to exploit any home side complacency. Their two previous wins over Carolina this season could provide a psychological boost, although the Hurricanes will be motivated to avenge their recent loss on home ice.

Given both teams’ offensive capabilities, especially Carolina’s recent goal glut, this game could be high scoring. The Capitals’ ability to score 3.4 goals per game suggests they can challenge the Hurricanes’ defence. The match may hinge on which side can better control the pace and maintain defensive discipline.

Where the teams stand

Recent form

Head-to-head