The Los Angeles Kings, led by Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, are preparing to take the ice against Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in an East-West matchup. The opening face-off is at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 11, and it’ll be showcased live on Fox Sports West.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals Odds
The Capitals (-220) are currently favored over the Kings (+180) and the Over/Under (O/U) is placed at 6 goals (-115 over, -105 under).
Washington is 30-25 straight-up (SU) and has lost 2.3 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That win percentage, ranked third in the Metropolitan Division so far this season, is a slide from what the team recorded during last year’s regular season (49-33). Of the team’s 55 games this season, 29 have gone over the total, while 23 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 16-14 SU at home this year.
The Capitals have converted on 21.0 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 24th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 78.3 percent of all penalties.
With a .906 save percentage and 28.0 saves per game, Braden Holtby (19-20-6) has been the most dependable option in goal for the Caps this year. If head coach Todd Reirden decides to give him a breather, however, the team may turn to Pheonix Copley (12-8-8 record, .904 save percentage, 2.97 goals against average).
Los Angeles has lost 8.2 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 23-32 straight up (SU). A total of 30 of its contests have gone under the total, while 24 have gone over and just one has pushed. The Kings are 11-18 SU as an away team this season.
The Kings have converted on just 15.3 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that places them in the bottom-five overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 30th overall and it’s successfully killed off 75.5 percent of all penalties.
Jonathan Quick (.902 save percentage and 2.99 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Los Angeles. Quick is averaging 27.0 saves per game and has 11 wins, 17 losses, and four OT losses to his credit.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Capitals, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- The Capitals are 3-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Kings are 2-1 in shootouts.
- For both of these clubs, the over has hit in three of their last five outings.
- Four of Washington’s last ten contests have been decided by two or more goals, and the team is 0-4 overall in those games.
- The Capitals this season have dished out the 12th-most hits per game in the NHL (23.4), but the club has averaged 28.8 over their last five games as the home team.
