Two teams squaring off for the first time this year, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals take the ice at Capital One Arena in an East-West tilt. The action gets going at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 6, and you can witness it live on NBC Sports Network.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Washington Capitals Odds
Chicago (+130) is currently the underdog to Washington (-150), and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 6 goals (-105 for the over, -115 for the under).
Washington is 16-12 straight up (SU) and has earned 1.9 units for moneyline bettors this season. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 55-27 record that the team posted during the 2016-17 season campaign. Through 28 regular season outings, 15 of the teams games have gone over the total, while 13 have gone under and none have pushed. This season, the team is 10-5 SU at home.
The Capitals have been able to convert on 21.7 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 22nd overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 78.0 percent of all penalties.
The Capitals, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.5 times per game overall this season, and 3.2 per game over their last five games home outings. The teams had to defend opposition power plays for just 8.8 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, overall.
With a .919 save percentage and 28.9 saves per game, Braden Holtby (14-6) has been the best option in goal for the Caps this season. If the Caps, however, decide to give him a rest, the team may roll with Philipp Grubauer (2-8-8 record, .893 save percentage, 3.21 goals against average).
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin will both lead the offensive attack for the Capitals. Kuznetsov (30 points) is up to nine goals and 21 assists and has recorded two or more points on eight separate occasions this year. Ovechkin has 20 goals and eight assists to his credit and has recorded a point in 16 games.
Over on the other bench, Chicago is 12-15 straight up (SU) and has lost 6.0 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 27 regular season contests, 14 of its games have gone under the total, while 12 have gone over and just one has pushed. The Blackhawks are 6-8 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 16.2 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 29th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked sixth overall and it’s successfully killed off 83.5 percent of all penalties.
Chicago’s skaters have been called for penalties 4.0 times per game in total this season, 3.6 per game over their last five contests total, and 4.2 per game over their last five road outings. The teams had to defend opponent power plays just 7.4 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Corey Crawford (29.2 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for Chicago. Crawford owns an 11-10-2 record, and has registered a .930 save percentage and 2.29 goals against average this year.
Patrick Kane (10 goals, 17 assists) has been one of the top facilitators on offense for the visiting Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks at Washington Capitals Betting Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- The total has gone over in three of Washington’s last five games.
- The Capitals this season have registered the 12th-most hits per game (22.1).
