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Charlie Grant
Capitals vs. Blue Jackets: Game 3 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
Another page in the long book of playoff disappointments for Washington during the Alexander Ovechkin era is being written after the Capitals dropped the first two games of their series against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ovie and the Caps look to rewrite the narrative by beginning their series comeback in Game 3 NHL matchup at Columbus.
Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
Washington is now 1-5 straight up in its last six home playoff games dating back to its second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins a year ago. The total remains at 5.5 goals despite all the goals being produced in this series (16 in two games). The over is 39-20 this season in Washington games when the total is set below 6.
The Blue Jackets have their own over trend on the go. The club has played over the total in 17 of their last 22 games – including its two playoff games so far against Washington. Columbus went 26-15 straight up on home ice during the regular season.
Both teams are smoking hot with the man advantage so far in the series. The Capitals have five power play goals in 13 opportunities while the Blue Jackets have four PPGs in eight power play chances.
Washington Capitals
Hindsight tells us Washington coach Barry Trotz made the wrong decision by making Phillip Grubauer the Capitals No. 1 goalie in Game 1 and 2. Grubauer was pulled in after he allowed four goals on just 22 shots on net in Game 2 leading many to believe Braden Holtby will get the nod on Tuesday night between the pipes.
Holtby endured the worst regular season of his eight-year career but there’s no denying his track record for postseason success. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner owns a .932 save percentage and 2.00 goals against average in 60 playoff appearances.
Columbus Blue Jackets
You’ve got to be good to be lucky and that’s certainly something the Blue Jackets are demonstrating. Columbus became just the fifth NHL playoff team to overcome a multi-goal deficit in each of the first two games in a series and win both games according to ESPN Stats & Info.
