Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and the Boston Bruins will do battle against Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in an Eastern Conference tilt. NBC will showcase the matchup, and the action gets going at 0:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 3.
Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals Odds
Washington is 28-23 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.6 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That winning percentage, the third-best in the Metropolitan Division in this young season, is a regression from the 49-33 record that the team managed during last year’s regular season campaign. Through 51 regular season outings, 27 of its games have gone over the total, while 21 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team’s 14-12 SU at home this year.
The Capitals have converted on 21.9 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s good enough for ninth-best in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 24th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 77.5 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 27.7 saves per game with a .905 save percentage, Braden Holtby (18-18-5) has been the best goalkeeper for the Caps this season. If head coach Todd Reirden decides to rest him, however, the team might go with Pheonix Copley (11-8-8 record, .903 save percentage, 2.98 goals against average).
Boston has lost 8.7 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year and is currently 27-24 straight up (SU). A total of 29 of its games have gone under the total, while 19 have gone over and just three have pushed. The Bruins are 10-14 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Bruins currently have the second-strongest power-play unit in the NHL, as they’ve found the net on 27.8 percent of their extra-man opportunities this season. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 21st overall and it’s successfully killed off 79.2 percent of all penalties.
Jaroslav Halak (2.49 goals against average and .918 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Boston. Halak is averaging 26.6 saves per game and has 13 wins, 14 losses, and three overtime losses to his credit.
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals Betting Predictions
NHL Tip: SU Winner – Capitals, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The Capitals are 3-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Bruins are 1-1 in shootouts.
- Over Washington’s last ten outings, seven of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 2-5 in those games).
- This game features two of the more aggressive teams in the league. Boston skaters have accounted for the 10th-most hits in the league (23.3 per game) while the Capitals have registered the 11th-most (23.1).
