In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, October 24th 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 5-4-0 this season after they lost to the Kings by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Washington led 2-0 in the first period, but they allowed the last five goals for the disappointing loss. The Capitals out shot LA by a total of 32-26, won 49.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Washington was led by Cole Hutson, who had one goal, while Logan Thompson stopped 21 out of 25 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, Washington defeated the Devils by a score of 4-2 and the Canadiens by a score of 5-4. The Capitals have scored 3.33 goals per game and they have allowed 3.22 goals against per game, while also going 20.0% on the power play and 80.0% on the penalty kill this season. Ryan Leonard has led the team with four goals and four assists, while Charlie Lindgren is 1-1-0 with a 3.06 goals against average and an .897 save percentage this season.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 4-4-2 this year after they lost to the Flyers by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Buffalo cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second period, but couldn’t find anymore offense in the loss. The Sabres out shot Philadelphia by a total of 28-27, won 56.3% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Buffalo was led by Jason Zucker, who had one goal, while UPL stopped 24 out of 27 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, Buffalo lost to the Canadiens by a score of 4-3, but did beat the Maple Leafs by a score of 5-4 before that. The Sabres have scored 2.80 goals per game and they have allowed 3.60 goals against per game, while also going 11.1% on the power play and 66.7% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Quinn has led the team with five goals and five assists, while UPL is 3-3-2 with a 3.54 goals against average and an .863 save percentage this year.
Why the Washington Capitals will win
- The Capitals have won each of their last nine home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Sabres have lost each of their last eight games at Capital One Arena following a home loss.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last six games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games at Capital One Arena following a home loss.
- The Capitals have won the third period in each of their last six home games following a loss.
Why the Buffalo Sabres will win
- The Sabres have won eight of their last 10 games as underdogs following a loss.
- The Capitals have lost seven of their last eight Saturday games as home favorites.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as an away underdog when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games as home favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Sabres have won the third period in each of their last seven road games when leading after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the last eight games between the Sabres and Capitals at Capital One Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Sabres’ last five road games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last 14 games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last eight games as favorites against the Sabres.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Jakob Chychrun has scored at least one goal in each of his last five home appearances against the Sabres.
- Jakob Chychrun has scored the first goal in three of his last four home appearances against the Sabres.
- Jordan Kyrou has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances with his team as a home favorite against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Alex Tuch ranks T1st in the league for Game Winning Goals (3) this season.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Jack Quinn has scored at least one goal in four of the Sabres’ last five road games.
- Zach Benson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sabres’ last five road games.
- Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least four shots in each of his last three appearances – equal-longest active streak in the league.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Washington Capitals rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
- The Washington Capitals rank 32nd in the league for Period 3 goals scored per game this season (0.56).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank 30th in the league in power play percentage this season (11.11%).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank T29th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (66.67%).
Capitals vs Sabres Prediction
Buffalo comes into this contest after losing three of their last four games, but three of those four did go to overtime or a shootout. The Sabres are 1-1-2 on the road this year, while the Capitals are 4-2-0 at home. Washington has won two of their last three games, but they have allowed 4+ goals in four of their last five. The Capitals have struggled on defense recently and I think Buffalo is due after a great performance that only generated one goal last time out. Take the Sabres here.