Capitals vs. Senators NHL Betting Odds, Picks: Ottawa is a slim home favourite against Washington
Washington was widely expected among the hockey world to be near the top of the Eastern Conference, which could still happen, but their 9-6-0 record is currently outside of the playoff picture in a crowded conference.
The Capitals now face the Ottawa Senators, who have won three of their last four games heading into this contest and will be eager to keep the momentum going.
Capitals vs. Senators NHL Betting Odds
The Senators are slim -118 favourites on the NHL odds. In addition to entering this game in strong form, their last two games were particularly impressive, beating two strong outfits in the Sabres and Mammoth.
The game total is set at 6.5 goals. The over has been very prominent in Capitals games, to the tune of an 11-4-0 over/under record. The over has hit in eight of their last nine games, and the only under in that span produced six goals.
It has been the opposite for the Senators, as their over/under record is 7-11-0, including the under landing in three of their last four games.
Washington Capitals
After winning five of six games, Washington then lost consecutive matches and gave up 11 goals in the process, but they bounced back with a win on Saturday.
The Capitals’ strength this season has been on the offensive side of the puck. They rank eighth in the NHL in goals scored per game.
That is not surprising given the talent they have both at forward and defence, but their goal prevention ranks 22nd in the league and is what needs to be cleaned up if they want to beat a good Ottawa team.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators are 3-1-1 in their last five games. That sounds good, but they have plenty to clean up themselves. In those two losses, the Senators allowed six goals.
That came after a stretch in which Ottawa allowed 14 goals across three games. They rank 10th in the league in goals allowed per game, so they have shown the ability to smother teams if things are clicking.
After a couple of disappointing playoff appearances by the Senators the last couple years, they know these points are valuable. Ottawa will come out with urgency to log a third straight win against a good team.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Capitals vs. Senators?
The respective ceilings of these teams may end up being fairly similar come spring. The Capitals might end up being the better team, but right now, the Senators are more reliable.
Ottawa’s wins in their last two games are difficult to overlook. The Sabres and Mammoth are good teams that will both compete for the playoffs. The Senators held them to three combined goals.
The Senators are a good team in good form, and their opponent looks a bit leaky right now. This has the makings of a low-scoring, narrow Ottawa win.
Best bet: Under 6.5
WAS
OTT