Two teams that have put themselves squarely in playoff contention, the Washington Capitals and the Dallas Stars take the ice at the American Airlines Center for an East-West tilt. Fox Sports Southwest will broadcast the matchup, and the opening face-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 19.
Washington Capitals at Dallas Stars Odds
Washington (+100) is currently the underdog to Dallas (-120), and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 6 goals. The line for betting that total stands at -120 for the over and +100 for the under.
Washington is 21-13 straight up (SU) and has earned 6.0 units for moneyline bettors this season. Through 34 regular season contests, 19 of its games have gone over the total, while 15 have gone under and none have pushed. This 2017-18 Capitals team is 7-8 SU on the road.
Washington has converted on 20.8 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. Its penalty kill is ranked 25th overall, and it has successfully killed off only 79.2 percent of all penalties.
The Caps, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.4 times per game overall during the 2017-18 season, and 5.2 per game over its last five on the road. The team has had to defend opponent power plays 8.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Averaging 28.2 saves per game with a .919 save percentage, Braden Holtby (19-7) has been the top option in goal for Washington this season. If head coach Barry Trotz decides to rest him, however, Washington could turn to Philipp Grubauer (2-9-1 record, .899 save percentage, 3.01 goals against average).
The visiting Capitals have relied on Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov this season. Ovechkin (37 points) has tallied 23 goals and 14 assists, and has recorded multiple points eight times. Kuznetsov has 11 goals and 25 assists to his name, and has logged at least one point in 21 games.
Dallas is 18-16 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.9 units for moneyline bettors this year. 18 of its games have gone over the total, while 15 have gone under and just one has pushed. It’s 10-4 SU as the home team this season.
The Stars have converted on just 18.8 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 20th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 80.5 percent of all penalties.
Dallas skaters have been sent to the penalty box 4.5 times per game in total this season, and 3.6 per game over their past five contests. The team’s been forced to stave off opponent power plays 10.0 minutes per contest over their last five home games.
Ben Bishop has stopped 25.4 shots per game as the top option in goal for the Stars. Bishop has 13 wins, 12 losses, and one OT loss to his credit and has recorded a mediocre 2.71 goals against average and a poor .910 save percentage this season.
The Stars offense will be led by Tyler Seguin (14 goals, 15 assists) and Jamie Benn (13 goals, 16 assists).
Washington Capitals vs. Dallas Stars Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Stars, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Trends
Washington is 2-0 in games decided by a shootout this season while Dallas is 2-1 in shootouts.
The total has gone over in three of Dallas’ last five outings.
Washington has managed 26.8 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Dallas has been attempting 37.8 shots per game over its last five at home.
Eight of Washington’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 6-2 in those games.
