In this article, we will formulate a Predators vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, January 11th at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 13-21-7 this year after they lost to Winnipeg by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Nashville cut the deficit to 3-1 in the second period, but they allowed two more goals in the third in the loss. The Predators were outshot by a total of 30-28, won 45.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-7 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from Forsberg and Josi, while Saros stopped 26 out of 29 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Predators defeated the Flames by a score of 4-1 and the Canucks by a score of 3-0. Nashville has lost four of their last six games and they are currently second to last in the Central standings with 33 points. Nashville has scored 2.44 goals per game and they have allowed 3.12 goals against per game, while also going 19.5% on the power play and 84% on the penalty kill this season. Filip Forsberg has led Nashville with 10 goals, 24 assists, and 136 shots on goal, while Jonathan Marchessault has added 14 goals, 16 assists, and 121 shots on goal. Juuse Saros is 9-17-6 with a 2.77 goals against average and a .905 save percentage this year.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 27-10-5 this season after they lost to Montreal in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Washington trailed 2-1 after the second period, but they tied the game in the third, before losing in overtime. The Capitals were outshot by a total of 30-17, won 51% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Eller and Chychrun, while Thompson stopped 18 out of 21 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Capitals defeated the Canucks by a score of 2-1 but did lose to the Sabres by a score of 4-3 before that. Washington has alternated wins and losses over their last 10 games and they are currently first in the Metro standings with 59 points. Washington has scored 3.66 goals per game and they have allowed 2.61 goals against per game, while also going 23.5% on the power play and 83.5% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 12 goals, 33 assists, and 73 shots on goal, while Aliaksei Protas has added 18 goals, 18 assists, and 74 shots on goal. Logan Thompson is 17-2-3 with a 2.32 goals against average and a .917 save percentage this season.
Why the Predators will beat the Capitals
- The Predators have won each of their last nine Saturday night games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Capitals have lost each of their last four games against Central Division opponents.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five night games.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in four of the Predators’ last five games.
- The Predators have won the first period in each of their last nine games at Bridgestone Arena.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the last six games between the Capitals and Predators has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Capitals’ last three road games has gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last eight Saturday games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in eight of the Predators’ last nine games.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Jonathan Marchessault has scored at least one goal in each of the Predators’ last five home games.
- Filip Forsberg has recorded at least one point in each of the Predators’ last 11 Saturday home games.
- Filip Forsberg has recorded two or more assists in each of the Predators’ last five home games against opponents who are playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Jonathan Marchessault has scored the first goal in each of the Predators’ last three games as home favorites.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Andrew Mangiapane has recorded at least one assist in four of his last five appearances against the Predators.
- Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in each of his last seven appearances on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one point in each of his last 15 appearances after playing less than 20 minutes the previous day.
- Alex Ovechkin has scored the last goal in three of the Capitals’ last four games as underdogs against the Predators.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nashville Predators rank 32nd in the league for goals per game this season (2.44).
- The Nashville Predators rank 3rd in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (84.00%).
- The Washington Capitals rank 2nd in the league for goals per game this season (3.62).
- The Washington Capitals are one of only two teams in the league to rank top 5 for both goals for and goals against per game this season.
Predators vs Capitals Prediction
Nashville comes into this matchup trying to find some momentum, as they continue to struggle to put wins together. The Predators have won two of their last three games and they are 8-7-3 at home, while the Capitals are 13-6-1 on the road. Washington will be on a back-to-back after playing against Montreal on Friday and they have been a bit inconsistent over the last two weeks. The Capitals are still one of the best teams in the NHL this season and they are scoring 3.66 goals per game, but they have allowed four goals in three of their last four. I do think Nashville is going to turn things around, as they have played slightly better over their last 12 games and I think they can take advantage of Washington on a back-to-back. Take the Predators to get the win.