
Washington Capitals vs Minnesota Wild prediction 10-27-23 NHL Picks
Washington Capitals (2-3-1) vs Minnesota Wild (3-2-1)
2023-10-27 19:00:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Washington Capitals +109 / Minnesota Wild -135 --- Over/Under: 6
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In an early-season showdown that promises fireworks, the Minnesota Wild (3-2-1, 3rd in Central Division) set their sights on the Washington Capitals (2-3-1, 7th in Metropolitan Division). The Wild are fresh off a scoring frenzy against the Edmonton Oilers, while the Capitals recently staged a comeback against the New Jersey Devils. With both teams looking to climb the standings, you won’t want to miss this NHL contest.
The Wild’s Offensive Juggernaut
The Minnesota Wild have played well this season, especially on attack. Their recent 7-4 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers displayed hard-to-stop scoring, where they peppered the opposing goalie with shots from all angles. Ryan Hartman’s hat trick was the highlight of the game. Alongside him, Joel Eriksson Ek has been lethal in front of goal, racking up 5 goals already this season. His prowess on the power play has also been critical; he’s netted 3 of his goals during man advantages. The offensive chemistry between Eriksson Ek, Mats Zuccarello, and Kirill Kaprizov has been hard to contain, making them one of the most feared lines in the league right now.
However, Minnesota’s goaltending has been a bit of a question mark. Filip Gustavsson’s goals-against average of 3.95 is not strong. Marc-Andre Fleury’s numbers aren’t much better with a goals-against average of 3.55 and a save percentage of .868. While these stats are far from disastrous, they are certainly an area that could use improvement. Despite this, the netminders have been good enough to not let the team down, largely due to the offensive cushion provided by the skaters.
When it comes to special teams, the Wild have a decent track record but there’s room for improvement. Their power play conversion rate stands at 17.4%, a respectable but not outstanding figure. On the flip side, the penalty kill percentage of 78.9% suggests that they’re somewhat vulnerable when down a man. The Wild have been exceptional in faceoffs, ranking among the top teams with a winning percentage of 52.6%. This often-overlooked stat is crucial for puck possession and could be a decisive factor in tight games.
Minnesota Wild Team Facts
- The Wild have won five of their last six games as underdogs on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Wild have covered the puck line in each of their last six games against the Capitals.
- The Wild have lost the first period in six of their last seven games as underdogs.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last six games.
Capitals in Choppy Waters
The Washington Capitals have had an uneven start to the season, evidenced by sitting in 7th-place position in the Metropolitan Division. Their 6-4 win over the New Jersey Devils was a much-needed morale booster, but it also exposed some glaring weaknesses. Connor McMichael’s tie breaking goal was a highlight, yet the team’s overall performance left much to be desired. Dylan Strome leads the goal-scoring charts for Washington with 4 goals, but the team’s offensive output has been inconsistent. The legendary Alex Ovechkin and the reliable John Carlson are joint leaders in points with 5 each, but the team needs more contributors to step up.
In net, Darcy Kuemper has been less than impressive with a goals-against average of 3.67 and a save percentage of .868. These numbers could be a serious cause for concern as the season progresses. The goaltending situation needs immediate attention, especially with a tough schedule ahead featuring teams known for their offensive firepower. The Capitals’ blue line, anchored by Carlson and Michal Kempny, must tighten up defensively to provide better support for their netminder.
The most troubling aspect for the Capitals has been their special teams. With a power play that’s converting at just 10.5%, they’ve squandered numerous opportunities to capitalize on man advantages. The penalty kill is in an even worse state, operating at a dismal 69.6%. These numbers are not just below average; they’re among the worst in the league. The Capitals have also struggled in the faceoff circle, winning just 47.8%.
Washington Capitals Team Facts
- The Capitals have lost each of their last six night games following a road win.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six night games following a road win.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last nine games as favorites.
- The Capitals have won the second period in seven of their last eight games as favorites following a road win.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Washington Capitals ranks T30th in the league for goals per game this season (2.00).
- The Washington Capitals ranks 30th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (69.57%).
- The Minnesota Wild ranks 32nd in the league for goals against per game this season (4.43).
- The Minnesota Wild ranks T4th in the league for goals per game this season (3.86).
David’s Pick – Minnesota Wild (-135)
Minnesota has displayed a strong offense thus far this season, while Washington has struggled to put the puck in the net. The Wild have been more consistent offensively, and their special teams are in better shape than the Capitals. Although the goaltending stats for both teams don’t inspire much, Minnesota’s offense has the strength to tip the scales in their favor. Washington’s special teams’ woes will be a crucial factor, especially against a Wild team that knows how to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Given these dynamics, I’m leaning towards the Minnesota Wild pulling off a win.