Washington Capitals vs. Ottawa Senators Prediction, NHL Odds
For a couple of teams in the mix in a competitive and crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture, these are two important points.
Ottawa has struggled with inconsistent play since the first drop of the puck this year. Washington has played better and more consistently, but find themselves in a bit of a slump. There is plenty of hockey left this season, but neither team has interest in leaving points on the table. This will be a fast-paced, hard-fought game.
Capitals vs. Senators NHL Betting Odds
The Capitals have won two out of their three games out of the Christmas break. That follows a stretch in which Washington dropped three straight. Entering this one, the Capitals have dropped seven out of nine, and five out of their last six played on the road. They will need to bring their Wednesday form into Thursday if they’re going to continue this turnaround.
Capitals vs. Sens betting odds
The Senators are winless in their last three games, having been outscored 14-8 by the Sabres, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jackets. That isn’t exactly a gauntlet; Washington represents the best team Ottawa will have played in seven games, and will be a good litmus test.
Washington Capitals
Earlier this month, the Capitals were seemingly on cruise control as they were 18-9-3, and comfortably in a top-three spot in the Atlantic division. A 2-5-2 stretch since has resulted in them losing ground in the standings. The glass half-full angle is the Capitals have played well in their three games after the break.
In the Capitals’ last three games, they beat a good Devils team, lost to a stellar Panthers team, and dusted a Rangers team that excels on the road. The Senators are vulnerable right now, presenting a good opportunity for the Capitals to continue this upswing and collect two points.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators just cannot find a way to sustain strong play this year. The good news is this is a good hockey team. Ottawa has shown resilience through a few key injuries and bouts with consistency as it is in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Ottawa’s current three-game losing streak is its second three-game losing streak of the month and third of the year. That is one more three-game losing streak than the Senators have three-game winning streaks this season. This team needs to have a strong second half and not take steps back after it takes steps forward. Thursday’s game needs to represent the start of a turnaround.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Capitals vs. Senators?
This has the makings of a great game between a couple of somewhat desperate teams in good form. In a situation with a slimmer margin of error, the Capitals have proven to be the more reliable play. Ottawa has dropped six out of its last eight played at home, and has not instilled much confidence with its recent play.
The Senators’ last five wins have come against the Blue Jackets, Jets, Penguins, Blackhawks, and Bruins – all teams that have been spiraling. However, Ottawa’s last five losses have come to much better teams than those they beat. Lately, the Senators have largely not gotten the job done against good teams, which the Capitals are. Washington is the more reliable play, but by a narrow 4-3 margin.
WAS
OTT