In this article we will formulate a Blackhawks vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Friday, January 9th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks are 18-18-7 this year after they defeated St. Louis by a score of 7-3 in their last game. Chicago was tied at two in the second period, but they scored the next five goals to pull away with the lopsided win. The Blackhawks out shot St. Louis by a total of 35-30, won 60.9% of the face-offs, and went 3-4 on the power play in the game. Chicago got goals from Burakovsky, Dickinson, Lardis, Moore, Slaggert, Crevier, and Murphy, while Knight stopped 27 out of 30 shots, which was a .900 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Chicago defeated the Golden Knights by a score of 3-2 and the Capitals by a score of 3-2. The Blackhawks have won four games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Central standings with 43 points. Chicago has scored 2.86 goals per game and they have allowed 3.12 goals against per game, while also going 23.0% on the power play and 84.4% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard (questionable) has led Chicago with 19 goals and 25 assists, while Tyler Bertuzzi has added 22 goals and 12 assists. The projected starting goalie for Chicago is Spencer Knight, who is 13-11-6 with a 2.62 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this year.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 22-16-6 this season after they lost to Dallas by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Washington cut the deficit to 3-1 in the third period, but they allowed an empty net goal to seal the loss. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 36-24, won 55.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Washington got their lone goal from Ovechkin, while Thompson stopped 32 out of 35 shots, which was a .914 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Washington defeated the Ducks by a score of 7-4, but lost to the Blackhawks by a score of 3-2 before that. The Capitals have lost three of their last four games and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 50 points. Washington has scored 3.25 goals per game and they have allowed 2.82 goals against per game, while also going 15.3% on the power play and 77.2% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 22 goals and 20 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 18 goals and 19 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 15-12-4 with a 2.40 goals against average and a .915 save percentage this season.
Why the Washington Capitals will win
- The Capitals have won each of their last nine games as road favorites against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Blackhawks have lost four of their last five home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in 13 of their last 15 road games following a home loss.
- The favorites have won the third period in six of the Capitals’ last seven games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Blackhawks’ last six games as home underdogs following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Capitals’ last six games as road favorites following a home loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight Friday night games between teams from different conferences have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last seven games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last four games as favorites against the Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Shea Weber has scored a goal in three of his last four appearances against the Capitals.
- Teuvo Teravainen has recorded at least one assist in each of his four previous appearances with his team as a home underdog against the Capitals.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Aliaksei Protas has scored a goal in each of his last four appearances with the Capitals as favorites.
- Dylan Strome has recorded at least one assist in each of his last seven Friday appearances.
Blackhawks vs Capitals Prediction
Chicago comes into this matchup on a four game winning streak and they have gone to overtime in three of their last five. The Blackhawks are 10-8-4 at home this year, while the Capitals are 9-8-3 on the road. Washington has lost three of their last four and they have allowed four goals in three of their last four. The Capitals are a very solid defensive team and I think this is a good spot for them to bounce back, as Chicago is due for some regression. Take the Capitals to win here.