In this article, we will formulate a Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, December 17th 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 10-19-2 this year after they defeated the Islanders by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Chicago was tied at three early in the third period, but they scored two goals late in the game for the win. The Blackhawks were outshot by a total of 33-23, won 44% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Chicago got goals from Bedard, Hall, Mikheyev, Teravainen, and Murphy, while Soderblom stopped 30 out of 33 shots in the win.
Prior to that game, the Blackhawks lost to the Devils by a score of 4-1 and the Islanders by a score of 5-4. Chicago has scored 2.48 goals per game and they have allowed 3.19 goals against per game, while also going 23.8% on the power play and 84.4% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard has led Chicago with seven goals, 19 assists, and 77 shots on goal, while Arvid Soderblom is 3-7-1 with a 2.76 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage this year.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 21-7-2 this season after they lost to Dallas by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Washington led 1-0 after the first period, but they allowed the last three goals in the game for the win. The Capitals outshot Dallas by a total of 26-24, won 47.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Washington got their lone goal from Strome, while Lindgren stopped 21 out of 24 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Capitals won four games in a row against the Sabres, Blue Jackets, Canadiens, and Maple Leafs. Washington has scored 3.97 goals per game and they have allowed 2.66 goals against per game, while also going 22.5% on the power play and 83.9% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 11 goals, 27 assists, and 52 shots on goal, while Logan Thompson is 12-1-2 with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage this year.
Why the Blackhawks will beat the Capitals
- The underdogs have won six of the Blackhawks’ last nine games at United Center.
- The Capitals have lost four of their last six games as favorites following a road loss.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in 13 of their last 14 games as favorites following a road loss.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in 13 of the Capitals’ last 16 games.
- The Blackhawks have won the first period in four of their last five games as underdogs following a win.
Why the Capitals will beat the Blackhawks
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last eight games following a home win.
- The Capitals have won 10 of their last 11 road games.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine night games following a home win.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last five games as road favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Blackhawks have lost the third period in eight of their last nine night games at United Center.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Blackhawks’ last five home games has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Capitals’ last five night games at United Center have gone OVER the total goal line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last five home games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last five games following a road loss.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Teuvo Teravainen has scored a goal in each of his three previous appearances with his team as a home underdog against the Capitals.
- Tyler Bertuzzi has recorded at least one point in each of his last five appearances against the Capitals.
- Ryan Donato has recorded an assist in each of the Blackhawks’ last four home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in each of his last six appearances on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded an assist in each of the Capitals’ last six games against the Blackhawks.
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last nine games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals Prediction
Washington comes into this matchup playing some very strong hockey to start the year, but they did play on Monday, so they will be on a back-to-back here. The Capitals have been very strong on both ends of the ice and they have allowed two goals or fewer in almost all of their last six games. Chicago has lost two of their last three games and they are 5-8-0 at home this year. The Blackhawks are only scoring 2.48 goals per game this season and I think they are going to really struggle to generate chances here. Take the under.