Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and the Washington Capitals are set to face off against Jack Eichel, Jeff Skinner, and the Buffalo Sabres at the KeyBank Center in an Eastern Conference tilt. The match will get going at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, and it can be caught live on NBC Sports Washington.
Washington Capitals vs. Buffalo Sabres Odds
Washington is 34-27 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.5 units for moneyline bettors this year. 31 of its contests have gone over the total, while 26 have gone under and just three have pushed. As the away team in 2018-19, the Caps are 17-13 SU.
Washington has converted on 21.8 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 22nd overall, and it’s successfully killed off 78.6 percent of all penalties..
Averaging 28.3 saves per game with a .908 save percentage, Braden Holtby (21-22-6) has been the best option in goal for Washington this year. If Washington chooses to rest him, however, they might turn to Pheonix Copley (14-8-3 record, .904 save percentage, 2.97 goals against average).
On the other side of the rink, Buffalo is 28-32 straight up (SU) and has earned 0.1 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 60 regular season outings, 31 of its games have gone over the total, while 26 have gone under and just two have pushed. This year, the team’s 17-13 SU at home.
The Sabres have converted on just 17.8 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked sixth overall, and it’s successfully killed off 82.4 percent of all penalties.
Carter Hutton (27.4 saves per game) has been the top choice in goal for the Sabres. Hutton has 15 wins, 21 losses, and four OT losses to his credit and has recorded a .911 save percentage and 2.78 goals against average this year.
Washington Capitals at Buffalo Sabres Betting Predictions
Free Pick: SU Winner – Sabres, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- Two of the Sabres’ last ten games have ended in a shootout. The team is 1-1 in those games and 4-2 overall in shootouts this year.
- Washington has managed 24.6 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Buffalo has been attempting 30.2 shots per game over its last five home outings.
- Over Buffalo’s last ten outings, seven of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 2-5 in those games).
- Washington skaters have given out the 11th-most hits in the league (23.1 per game).
