Two squads that’ve positioned themselves firmly in the playoff hunt, the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals take the ice at Capital One Arena in an Eastern Conference matchup. The opening face-off takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 28, and you can watch the game live on NBC Sports Network.
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals Odds
The Capitals are 22-16 straight up (SU) and have earned moneyline bettors 4.7 units this year. That winning percentage, the second-best in the Metropolitan Division so far this season, is a slide from what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (55-27). Through 38 regular season outings, 20 of its games have gone over the total, while 17 have gone under and none have pushed. The team’s 14-5 SU at home this year.
Washington has converted on 18.8 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 22nd overall, and it’s successfully killed off 79.4 percent of all penalties.
Washington, as a collective unit, has been penalized 4.3 times per game overall this season, and 3.0 per game over its past five games. The team’s had to kill penalties for just 8.9 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, in total.
With a .918 save percentage and 28.3 saves per game, Braden Holtby (20-8) has been the best option in goal for the Capitals this season. If they choose to rest him, however, Washington could turn to Philipp Grubauer (2-11-11 record, .909 save percentage, 2.70 goals against average).
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin will each look to continue their strong seasons for the Capitals. Kuznetsov (38 points) is up to 12 goals and 26 assists and has recorded two or more points 10 times this year. Ovechkin has 23 goals and 14 assists to his credit and has notched a point in 21 contests.
On the other bench, Boston is 20-15 straight up (SU) and has lost 0.1 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 19 of its matches have gone under the total, while 15 have gone over and none have pushed. As the visiting team, Boston is 7-7 SU so far.
Boston has converted on 20.2 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked fourth overall and it’s successfully defended 84.3 percent of all penalties.
Boston’s skaters have been penalized 4.1 times per game in total this season, 3.8 per game over their last five match ups total, and 3.8 per game over their last five road outings. The team’s had to kill penalties 8.8 minutes per contest over their last five road games.
Tuukka Rask (.920 save percentage and 2.23 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Boston. Rask is averaging 25.0 saves per game and has 12 wins, 12 losses, and three OT losses to his credit.
Leading the offensive attack for the visiting Bruins will be David Pastrnak (15 goals, 18 assists) and Brad Marchand (15 goals, 17 assists).
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Capitals, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
Boston is 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while Washington is 2-1 in shootouts.
The under has hit in three of Washington’s last five games.
Washington has averaged 3.0 goals per game overall this season, but is averaging 0.7 goals per matchup over its three-game losing streak.
Seven of Boston’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 6-1 in those games.
Boston skaters have given out the league’s sixth-most hits per game (23.6), but that number’s down to just 17.2 hits over their last five away games.
