The Washington Capitals will head to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets in this Metropolitan Division. The puck drop for this game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. eastern from the Nationwide Arena.
The Capitals have been playing solid hockey and have worked themselves into a tie for third in the NHL standings in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division. The Blue Jackets, on the other side, have lost eight of their last ten and find themselves in last place in the division.
Before we make our NHL expert picks, let’s take a look at the NHL player stats and NHL odds to help us make our Capitals vs. Blue Jackets prediction.
Last Game Records
Washington Capitals
The last Washington Capitals game saw them take on the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo was able to score two goals in the first period, while the Capitals were only able to get a single goal.
Both teams got on the board in the second period with a single goal, making it 3-2 for the Sabres heading into the third. The Capitals were able to tie the game up in the third period, getting the game to overtime. The Sabres ended overtime in three minutes, giving the Capitals a 4-5 loss.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets took on the Ottawa Senators in their last game. Both teams got off to a slow start, with neither team scoring in the first period.
The Senators got broke open the scoring in the second period scoring three goals of their own while keeping Columbus at zero. The Blue Jackets did not score again in the third and went on to lose the game 0-4.
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Odds
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Analysis
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have to be seething coming into tonight’s game. As they continue to complete their NHL schedule, this is one of the games and series the Capitals have to win.
The Capital’s offense has been right around the middle of the road averaging 3.27 goals per game. In their last five games, the Capitals have averaged 4.8 goals per game.
Their defense and goaltending have also been excellent this season, giving up just 2.77 goals per game. In their last five games, on average, the Capitals are giving up 2.2 goals per game.
The Capitals have not been the best road team, coming in with a record of 9-8-1-2 for their away games. In their last five away games, they have a record of 5-0.
Alex Ovechkin has been their best offensive player, leading the team with 47 total points. He has scored 28 goals and assisted on 19 others to get his points. In their last ten games, Ovechkin has contributed 17 points.
Darcy Kuemper should be in at goaltender for the Capitals if they keep their rotation. He has a record of 10-9-3 but is only giving up 2.58 goals per game. He is 2-0-3 in his last five starts.
Columbus Blue Jackets
After looking at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ stats, it is another tough season for the Blue Jackets. At this current rate, it is looking like this will be another season where Columbus is not going to make the playoffs.
One of the biggest concerns for Columbus is their offense or lack thereof. They are averaging 2.61 goals per game which are in the bottom five of the league. In their last five games, the Blue Jackets have averaged 2.0 goals per game.
While their offense has been bad, their defense and goaltending have been even worse. Columbus is giving up 3.92 goals which is in the bottom two in the league. In their last five games, the Blue Jackets are giving up 3.4 goals per game on average.
The one bright side for Columbus is the game is at home, which is much better than on the road for them. The Blue Jackets have a record of 9-11-1 during home games this season. In their last five home games, Columbus has a record of 3-2.
Johnny Gaudreau has been the most skilled offensive player for the Blue Jackets. He has scored ten goals and assisted on 27 others to get to his team-leading 37 total points.
Joonas Korpisalo should be the starting goaltender for the Blue Jackets. He has a record of 5-7-1. He has a record of 2-3 in his last five starts.
Updates
While each team does have a few players listed on their NHL injury report, there are not a lot of new names. Daniil Tarasov for Columbus is listed as questionable; however, he would not play more than likely if he were to come back.
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Capitals are a massive moneyline favorite, after looking at the stats, this becomes one of those NHL games that are must-win. Columbus has odds at +170.
The puck line is set with the Capitals being -1½, and the odds are at +135. The Blue Jackets are +1½ with their odds at -155.
The goal total is set at 6½. The over has even odds, and the under is -120.
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Prediction
Making the Capitals vs. Blue Jackets prediction becomes a little easier once the stats are compiled. While the Capitals are a much better team, there will always be another team with a chance lined up with them.
While there are usually several NHL picks in this section, today, there is only one. The only pick, with confidence, is the Capitals’ moneyline.
Final Capitals vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Capitals 3-2.
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