Metropolitan Division rivals, the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will play a best-of-seven NHL playoffs second-round series beginning in Washington, DC

Carolina's depth and overall edge at five-on-five, even if you disagree with the odds, still make them the smarter bet.

For the second straight spring, the Carolina Hurricanes are the betting favorites in Round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the team that both finished ahead of them and won the Metropolitan Division.