Capital One Arena will be the site for a divisional clash as the Washington Capitals welcome the visiting New Jersey Devils. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, and you’ll be able to view the game live on NBC Sports Washington.
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals Odds
The Capitals are 23-16 straight up (SU) and have earned moneyline bettors 4.6 units this season. That winning percentage, ranked fifth in the league in this young season, is a regression from the 55-27 record that the team posted during last years regular season campaign. Through 39 regular season matches, 21 of the teams games have gone over the total, while 18 have gone under and none have pushed. The teams 15-5 SU at home this season.
Washington has converted on 19.0 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 21st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 80.1 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Washington has been whistled for penalties 4.4 times per game overall this season, 3.8 per game over its last five games total, and 4.2 per game over its last five at home. The team has had to kill penalties for 8.6 minutes per game over its last five outings, overall.
Sporting a .918 save percentage and 28.4 saves per game, Braden Holtby (21-8) has been the top goalkeeper for the Capitals this year. If they choose to rest him, however, Washington may turn to Philipp Grubauer (2-11-11 record, .909 save percentage, 2.70 goals against average).
The Caps will continue seeking offensive production out of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin. Kuznetsov (39 points) has produced 12 goals and 27 assists and has recorded multiple points on 10 different occasions this year. Ovechkin has 24 goals and 14 assists to his credit and has recorded at least one point in 21 contests.
On the other side of the rink, New Jersey is 22-15 straight up (SU) and has earned 12.0 units for moneyline bettors this season. A total of 19 of its contests have gone over the total, while 16 have gone under and just one has pushed. As the visiting team, New Jersey is 10-7 SU so far.
New Jersey has scored on 21.4 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that places it in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked sixth overall and it’s successfully killed off 84.0 percent of all opponent power plays.
New Jersey’s skaters have been penalized 4.1 times per game this season, 3.8 per game over their last five match ups total, and 3.8 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team has been forced to kill penalties just 8.0 minutes per game over their last five road outings.
Cory Schneider (2.54 goals against average and .921 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for New Jersey. Schneider is averaging 29.5 saves per game and has 18 wins, 11 losses, and five overtime losses to his credit.
For the visiting Devils, the offense will be coordinated by Taylor Hall, who has 24 assists and 12 goals on the year.
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Capitals, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- New Jersey is 3-2 in games decided by a shootout this season while Washington is 3-1 in shootouts.
- The total has gone under in three of Washington’s last five outings.
- Over New Jersey’s last ten games, seven of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 5-2 in those games).
- The Capitals this season have registered the 10th-most hits per game (22.5).
