Nationwide Arena will be the site for an intriguing clash as the Washington Capitals pay a visit to Ohio to face the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s the fourth and final time that the two clubs will meet in the regular season. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 12, and you’ll be able to see this divisional matchup live on NBC Sports Washington.
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Odds
Washington (+115) is currently the underdog to Columbus (-135) and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 7 goals. The odds for betting the total stand at -115 money on the over and -105 on the under.
The Blue Jackets are 31-23 straight up (SU) and have earned moneyline bettors 1.1 units this season. That winning percentage, ranked 2nd in the Metropolitan Division in this young season, hasn’t moved much from the 45-37 record the team produced during the 2017-18 season campaign. Of the team’s 54 games this season, 22 have gone under the total, while 22 have gone over and just six have pushed. Thus far, the team’s 14-13 SU at home.
Columbus has converted on 16.7 percent of its power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked third overall, and it’s successfully killed off 84.1 percent of all penalties.
Columbus, as a collective unit, has been penalized just 3.1 times per game overall this season, and 2.4 per game over its last five home outings. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays for just 5.8 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, in total.
Averaging 25.7 saves per game with a .901 save percentage, Sergei Bobrovsky (22-17-1) has been the primary option in goal for the Blue Jackets this year. If they, however, decide to give him a rest, the team may roll with Joonas Korpisalo (9-11-11 record, .901 save percentage, 2.95 goals against average).
Artemi Panarin and Cam Atkinson will each spearhead the attack for the Blue Jackets. Panarin (63 points) has tallied 21 goals and 42 assists and has recorded two or more points in 19 different games this year. Atkinson has 31 goals and 23 assists to his name and has notched at least one point in 33 games.
Washington has lost 2.3 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 31-25 straight up (SU). Through 56 regular season contests, 29 of its games have gone over the total, while 23 have gone under the total and just three have pushed. As the visiting team, Washington is 14-11 SU so far.
Washington has converted on 21.1 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 24th overall and it’s successfully killed off 78.1 percent of all penalties.
Washington’s players have been whistled for penalties 4.0 times per game in total this season, and 4.6 per game over their last five road outings. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays just 8.4 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Braden Holtby (.906 save percentage and 3.07 goals against average) has been the main option in goal for Washington. Holtby is averaging 28.0 saves per game and has 19 wins, 20 losses, and six overtime losses to his credit.
Leading the offensive attack for the visiting Capitals will be Alex Ovechkin, who has 38 goals and 26 assists this year.
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Predictions
Free NHL Pick: SU Winner – Blue Jackets, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- For both of these clubs, the over has hit in three of their past five outings.
- Columbus has averaged 3.3 goals per game overall this season, but has upped it to 4.7 per contest over its three-game winning streak.
- Four of Washington’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-3 in those games.
- Washington skaters have accounted for the 12th-most hits in the league (23.2 per game).
