Capital One Arena will be the site for an enticing clash as the Buffalo Sabres take on the Washington Capitals. The game gets going at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, and you’ll be able to view this Eastern Conference matchup live on NBC Sports Washington.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals Odds
The Capitals are 19-12 straight up (SU) and have earned 3.0 units for moneyline bettors this season. That winning percentage, the best in the Metropolitan Division so far in this young season, is right in line with what the team produced during last year’s regular season (49-33). Of its 31 games this season, 17 have gone over the total, while 11 have gone under and just two have pushed. Thus far, the team’s 9-6 SU at home.
Washington has connected on 27.4 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a mark that places them in the top-5 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 25th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 76.3 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, Washington has been penalized 3.9 times per game overall this season, and 3.0 per game over its last five at home. The team’s had to stave off opposition power plays for just 8.2 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, overall.
With a .910 save percentage and 28.0 saves per game, Braden Holtby (13 wins, 10 losses, and three OT losses) has been the primary option in goal for the Capitals this season. Holtby did just play last night, however, so the team might decide to give him a breather and turn to Pheonix Copley instead (7-3-3 record, .902 save percentage, 2.95 goals against average).
The Caps will continue relying on leadership via Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Ovechkin (42 points) has produced 28 goals and 14 assists and has recorded multiple points 11 times this year. Backstrom has 10 goals and 29 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 22 games.
Buffalo has netted 9.4 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 19-13 straight up (SU). 16 of its games have gone over the total, while 15 have gone under the total and just one has pushed. As the visiting team , Buffalo is 8-8 SU.
Buffalo has converted on 18.4 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked ninth overall and it’s successfully defended 81.9 percent of all penalties.
Buffalo’s players have been whistled for penalties only 3.4 times per game in total this season, 3.0 per game over their last five games total, and 3.8 per game over their last five on the road. The team has had to kill penalties just 8.4 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Carter Hutton (2.53 goals against average and .919 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Buffalo. Hutton is averaging 27.8 saves per game and has 13 wins, nine losses, and one overtime loss to his credit.
For the visiting Sabres, the offense will be facilitated by Jack Eichel (10 goals, 29 assists) and Jeff Skinner (22 goals, 10 assists).
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals Betting Predictions
NHL Pick: SU Winner \u2013 Sabres, O/U \u2013 Under
Betting Trends
- Buffalo is 3-0 in games decided by a shootout this season while Washington is 2-1 in shootouts.
- For both of these clubs, the over has hit in four of their last five matches.
- Washington has scored 3.8 goals per game overall this year, but is scoring 5.0 per contest over its four-game win streak.
- Over Washington’s last ten outings, eight of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 7-1 in those games).
- Buffalo skaters registered 21.5 hits per game last season, while the Capitals forced 24.2 hits per matchup.
