In this article we will formulate a Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, December 14th 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 20-6-2 this season after they defeated Columbus in overtime by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Washington trailed 1-0 in the third period, but they were able to tie the game in the third and picked up the win in overtime. The Capitals outshot Columbus by a total of 37-33, won 61.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Washington got both goals from Protas, while Lindgren stopped 32 out of 33 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Capitals defeated Montreal by a score of 4-2 and Toronto by a score of 3-1. Washington has scored 3.96 goals per game and they have allowed 2.68 goals against per game, while also going 20.9% on the power play and 83.5% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with nine goals, 27 assists, and 44 shots on goal, while Logan Thompson is 11-1-2 with a 2.48 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage this year.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 11-14-4 this year after they lost to the Rangers by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Buffalo trailed 2-0 in the third period, but they fought back and came up just short in the comeback attempt. The Sabres outshot New York by a total of 31-28, won 46.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Thompson and Power, while UPL stopped 25 out of 27 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Sabres lost seven games in a row and they scored two goals or fewer in five of those losses. Buffalo has scored 2.97 goals per game and they have allowed 3.24 goals against per game, while also going 14.1% on the power play and 80.6% on the penalty kill this season. Alex Tuch has led Buffalo with eight goals, 16 assists, and 69 shots on goal, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 8-8-3 with a 2.79 goals against average and a .903 save percentage this year.
Why the Capitals will beat the Sabres
- The Sabres have lost each of their last eight games.
- The Capitals have won each of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last five games after coming off overtime.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The home team has won the third period in each of the last six games between the Sabres and Capitals.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Capitals’ last nine games following an overtime win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Sabres’ last eight night games at Capital One Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in seven of the last eight games between the Sabres and Capitals.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 14 of the Sabres’ last 15 games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Tom Wilson has scored at least one goal in six of his last seven appearances with the Capitals as home favorites against the Sabres.
- Connor McMichael has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last nine home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Nicklas Backstrom has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances with the Capitals as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Jason Zucker has recorded at least one assist in four of the Sabres’ last five road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Tage Thompson has scored at least one goal in each of the Sabres’ last four night games.
- Alex Tuch has recorded at least one point in seven of the Sabres’ last eight road games.
Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction
Buffalo comes into this matchup trying to snap their long losing streak, but they are really struggling to score goals right now. The Sabres are 5-5-1 on the road this year, while the Capitals are 8-4-2 at home. Washington has won three games in a row and seven of their last eight. The Capitals have been one of the best teams in the NHL this season and their defense has been dominant. Take Washington -1.5 here.