In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, December 7th at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 17-9-3 this season after they lost to Anaheim in a shootout by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Washington led 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2, but they couldn’t hold onto the lead and ended up with the shootout loss. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 38-21, won 46.0% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Frank, Protas, and Wilson, while Thompson stopped 35 out of 38 shots, which was a .921 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Washington defeated the Sharks by a score of 7-1 and the Kings by a score of 3-1. The Capitals have won six of their last seven games and they are currently first in the Metro standings with 37 points. Washington has scored 3.48 goals per game and they have allowed 2.48 goals against per game, while also going 16.7% on the power play and 74.4% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 17 goals and 14 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 14 goals and 15 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 12-6-2 with a 2.06 goals against average and a .919 save percentage this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 13-9-6 this year after they lost to Florida in overtime by a score of 7-6 in their last game. Columbus led 4-1 in the second period and 6-4 in the third, but couldn’t hold the lead and lost with four seconds left in overtime. The Blue Jackets were out shot by a total of 40-31, won 42.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Lundestrom, Marchenko, Sillinger, Voronkov, Wood, and Severson, while Merzlikins stopped 33 out of 40 shots, which was an .825 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Columbus defeated the Red Wings by a score of 6-5 and the Devils by a score of 5-3. The Blue Jackets have won two of their last three games and they are currently last in the Metro standings with 32 points. Columbus has scored 2.96 goals per game and they have allowed 3.30 goals against per game, while also going 18.8% on the power play and 71.8% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with nine goals and 21 assists, while Kirill Marchenko has added 10 goals and 14 assists. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Jet Greaves, who is 7-4-5 with a 2.81 goals against average and a .901 save percentage this year.
Why the Washington Capitals will win
- The Capitals have won each of their last eight home games after coming off a shootout.
- The Blue Jackets have lost five of their last six games after coming off overtime.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight night games.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents after coming off overtime.
- The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in each of their last eight games when leading after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Capitals’ last seven home games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games after coming off overtime have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Three of the last four games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last 10 home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games after coming off overtime.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Capitals’ last nine games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Jakob Chychrun has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last nine home games.
- Alex Ovechkin has scored the last goal in three of the Capitals’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Jakob Chychrun has scored at least one goal in each of the Capitals’ last four home games.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in 11 of the Blue Jackets’ last 12 games.
- Miles Wood has scored at least one goal in five of the Blue Jackets’ last six games as road underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four games.
Capitals vs Blue Jackets Prediction
Washington had their winning streak snapped last time out against the Ducks, but they have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the last three weeks. The Capitals are 9-5-1 at home this year, while the Blue Jackets are 7-6-3 on the road. Columbus has gone to overtime in four of their last five games and they have scored a total of 17 in their last three. I don’t think the Blue Jackets will have that same offensive success here, as Washington has allowed two goals or fewer in four of their last five. Take the Caps -1.5 here.