A game between two teams that’ve positioned themselves squarely in the playoff hunt, the Washington Capitals and the New Jersey Devils clash at the Prudential Center for a divisional showdown. NBC Sports Washington will air the matchup, which gets going at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18.
Washington Capitals at New Jersey Devils Odds
Washington is 28-17 straight up (SU) and has netted 8.2 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 45 regular season matches, 25 of its games have gone over the total, while 20 have gone under and none have pushed. As the away team in 2017-18, the Caps are 10-11 SU.
Washington has converted on 19.6 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 25th in the league, and it has successfully killed off only 79.1 percent of all penalties.
The Caps, as a collective unit, have been whistled for penalties 4.2 times per game during the 2017-18 season, and 3.2 per game over its last five road outings. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 7.8 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Boasting a .917 save percentage and 28.6 saves per game, Braden Holtby (24-9) has been the primary option in goal for Washington this season. If Washington chooses to rest him, however, the team may go with Philipp Grubauer (4-11-3 record, .916 save percentage, 2.60 goals against average).
Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov will both lead the offensive attack for the visiting Capitals. Ovechkin has 49 points via 28 goals and 21 assists, and has recorded multiple points in 12 different games. Kuznetsov has 13 goals and 28 assists to his name, and has registered a point in 25 games.
On the other bench, New Jersey is 23-20 straight up (SU) and has earned 5.8 units for moneyline bettors this season. Through 43 regular season contests, 24 of its games have gone over the total, while 18 have gone under and just one has pushed. It’s 12-9 SU as the home team this year.
The Devils have converted on 22.1 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that’s good enough for sixth-best in the league. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 11th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 82.4 percent of all opponent power plays.
Devils players have been called for penalties 3.9 times per game in total this season, and 3.2 per game over their last five contests. The team has been forced to kill penalties just 8.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Cory Schneider (29.3 saves per game) has been the top option in goal for the Devils. Schneider has 18 wins, 15 losses, and six OT losses and has maintained a pedestrian 2.74 goals against average and a .915 save percentage this season.
Taylor Hall (16 goals, 29 assists) will lead the attack for New Jersey.
Washington Capitals at New Jersey Devils Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Devils, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes
Three of New Jersey’s last ten games have gone to a shootout. The team is 1-2 in those games and 3-4 overall in shootouts this season.
The over has hit in three of New Jersey’s last five outings.
Washington has managed 25.2 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while New Jersey is averaging 35.2 shots per game over its last five at home.
Washington skaters have accounted for the league’s 11th-most hits per game (22.4).
