Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals prediction 12-21-23 NHL Picks
Columbus Blue Jackets (11-17-5) vs Washington Capitals (16-9-4)
2023-12-21 19:00:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Columbus Blue Jackets -102 / Washington Capitals -122 --- Over/Under: 6
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The Washington Capitals look for a win after splitting their last 10 games. The Columbus Blue Jackets need a win after losing 5 of their last 8 games. Let’s preview this game and give out a Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are coming off overtime wins over the Islanders and Hurricanes. The Washington Capitals are averaging 2.39 goals per game and are scoring on 9.8 percent of their power play opportunities. Dylan Strome leads Washington with 12 goals, John Carlson has 14 assists and Alex Ovechkin has 104 shots on goal. Defensively, the Washington Capitals are allowing 2.79 goals per game and are killing 81.5 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Darcy Kuemper has given up 43 goals on 417 shots faced, and Charlie Lindgren has allowed 29 goals on 387 shots.
Washington Capitals Team Facts
- The Capitals have won each of their last six games against the Blue Jackets after coming off overtime.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last nine games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Capitals have won the second period in each of their last six games against the Blue Jackets after coming off overtime.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last seven games.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Maple Leafs and Sabres this week, while losing to the Devils. The Columbus Blue Jackets are averaging 3.18 goals per game and are scoring on 16.1 percent of their power play opportunities. Boone Jenner leads Columbus with 13 goals, Zach Werenski has 24 assists and Adam Fantilli has 82 shots on goal. Defensively, the Columbus Blue Jackets are allowing 3.64 goals per game and are killing 83.7 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Spencer Martin has allowed 36 goals on 333 shots faced, and Elvis Merzlikins has given up 60 goals on 657 shots.
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts
- The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last nine night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The road team has covered the puck line in seven of the last eight games between the Capitals and Blue Jackets.
- The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in 12 of their last 13 games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games.
Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction
The Columbus Blue Jackets aren’t a team I’m eager to back given this losing stretch they’re on, but the Capitals have been one of the bigger underachievers so far this season and I need to see more before backing them, especially on the road. The Blue Jackets have seen 7 of their 11 wins this season come at home, and they’re fresh off a win over buffalo where they scored 9 goals. I’ll lean Columbus in this spot.