In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Bruins prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, October 8th 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 went 51-22-9 last season and they finished with 111 points, which was first in the Metro Division and first in the Eastern Conference. Washington started the season by winning eight of their first ten games and they had a very high scoring offense to lead the way. The Capitals did struggle down the stretch, losing eight of their final 12 regular season games, but still won the Division. Washington defeated Montreal in five games in the first round, but lost to Carolina in five games in the second round. Last year, the Capitals scored 286 goals, which was ranked 2nd in the NHL, while they allowed 229 goals against, which was ranked 8th.
In the preseason, Washington went 5-1 overall, but did split their final two games. The Capitals got wins against the Bruins, Flyers, Devils, and Blue Jackets (twice), but lost to the Bruins for their only loss. Washington should be proud of their regular season last year, but the playoffs were a huge disappointment. The Capitals will have Ovechkin, Strome, Wilson, and Carlson leading the way this year. Washington will also have Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren as the goalie combination, just like last season.
Boston Bruins Betting Preview
The Boston Bruins were 33-39-10 last year and they finished with 76 points, which was last in the Atlantic Division and tied for last in the Eastern Conference. Boston struggled for most of the season and really never got going in a positive direction. The Bruins lost seven of their first eleven games in 2024, including a 6-4 loss to Florida to open the season. Boston was even worse to close out the year, as they lost 13 of their last 16 games to limp to the finish line. Last season, the Bruins scored 222 goals, which was ranked 27th in the NHL, while they allowed 271 goals against, which was ranked 26th.
In the preseason, Boston went 4-2 overall and they won five of their last six games. The Bruins got wins against the Rangers (twice), the Flyers, and the Capitals, while they lost to the Flyers and Capitals one time each. No one could have predicted just how bad last year was for Boston, so they will be looking to find some early momentum this year. The Bruins will have Pastrnak, Zacha, Mittelstadt, and McAvoy as some of their top players this season, while they will have Swayman and Korpisalo as their goalie options.
Why the Washington Capitals will win
- The Capitals have won 10 of their last 11 night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Bruins have lost 13 of their last 15 night games.
- The home team has covered the puck line in each of the last five games between the Bruins and Capitals.
- The Bruins have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games at Capital One Arena.
- The home team has won the second period in 10 of the Capitals’ last 11 games.
Why the Boston Bruins will win
- The underdogs have won three of the Bruins’ last four games.
- The Capitals have lost four of their last five games.
- The Bruins have covered the puck line in each of their last 10 games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three games.
- The Capitals have lost the third period in nine of their last 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Capitals’ last seven home games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Bruins’ last five night games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Bruins’ last 10 road games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last four games as favorites against the Bruins.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Alex Ovechkin has scored the first goal in four of the Capitals’ last five games as home favorites.
- Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in five of the Capitals’ last six games as home favorites.
- Dylan Strome has recorded at least one assist in nine of the Capitals’ last 10 games as favorites.
- Dylan Strome has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last 11 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Boston Bruins Player Prop Facts
- Morgan Geekie has scored a goal in each of the Bruins’ last six games.
- David Pastrnak has recorded at least one assist in each of the Bruins’ last seven games.
- David Pastrnak has recorded at least one point in each of the Bruins’ last 14 road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Capitals vs Bruins Prediction
Washington will look to continue their regular season dominance from a season ago and they will be on home ice here. The Capitals have a solid roster, but they need Ovechkin to continue to be an elite player if they want to compete. Boston is trying to avoid a disaster like last season, so they need to get off to a fast start. This should be a great matchup to open the season, but I think we will see plenty of defense and goaltending, so give me the under here.