Chicago Blackhawks (21-44-10) vs. Washington Capitals (48-18-9)
April 4, 2025 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Washington Capitals -410 / Chicago Blackhawks 320; Over/Under: 6.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Capitals vs Blackhawks prediction for this NHL game on Friday, April 4, at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks (21-44-10, 38-37 ATS) managed to snap a seven-game losing skid with a 7-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers but then returned to losing ways against the Devils, Golden Knights, Hockey Club, and Avalanche. The Blackhawks are at the bottom of the Central Division Standings with 52 points, ten behind the Nashville Predators.
The Blackhawks score 2.69 goals per game on average (27th), while they concede 3.59 GPG (30th). This season, Connor Bedard leads the team with 59 points (20 G and 39 A). Ryan Donato has 59 points (29 G and 30 A), while Teuvo Teravainen chips in with 56 points (15 G and 41 A).
Spencer Knight (15-14-2) is expected to start for the Blackhawks at the goal on Friday against the Capitals. The 23-year-old is allowing 2.62 goals per game this year with a .902 SV% and two shutouts.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals (48-18-9, 43-32 ATS) are going through their roughest patch of the season after losing four of the previous five games. The lone win came against the Bruins, while the Capitals lost to the Jets, Wild, Sabres, and Hurricanes. Washington is still at the top of the Metropolitan Division Standings with 105 points, nine ahead of the Hurricanes.
The Capitals average 3.60 goals per game this year (1st), while they allow 2.68 GPG (8th). Dylan Strome leads the team with 73 points (24 G and 49 A). Alex Ovechkin contributes 66 points (39 G and 27 A), while Aliaksei Protas has 66 points (30 G and 36 A).
Charlie Lindgren (17-12-3) will likely take his place in the cage for the Capitals on Friday against the Blackhawks. The 31-year-old is allowing 2.66 goals per game this year with a .899 SV% and one shutout.
Total Goals Facts
- Five of the Capitals’ last six games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Blackhawks’ last five road games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last six games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Blackhawks’ last eight games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Washington Capitals rank 8th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.68).
- The Washington Capitals rank 8th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (81.25%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 32nd in the league for shots per game this season (24.4).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 31st in the league for Period 3 goals scored per game this season (0.84).
Capitals vs Blackhawks Prediction
The Capitals won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including four of the last five. This season’s series is tied at 1-1; Washington won 4-1 at home, while Chicago won 3-2 in the Windy City. The Capitals pretty much secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they can afford to relax a bit in this one. The Blackhawks play without any pressure or motivation for more than half of the season, so I expect both teams to be relaxed and produce a lot of goals. Six of Chicago’s last ten games went Over, which was the case in six of the previous ten H2H duels. I am going with Over.
