The Washington Capitals, spearheaded by Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, are set to take the ice against Brent Burns, Tomas Hertl, and the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center in an East-West showdown. The opening face-off is at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, and you’ll be able to catch it live on NBC Sports Washington.
Washington Capitals vs. San Jose Sharks Odds
Washington (+140) is entering this one as the underdog to San Jose (-160), and oddsmakers have put the Over/Under (O/U) at 7 goals (-120 for the over, +100 for the under).
San Jose is 34-23 straight up (SU) and has recorded -0.1 units for moneyline bettors this year. That winning percentage, the NHL’s fifth-best so far in this young season, is fairly close to what the team managed during last year’s regular season (45-37). Through 57 regular season contests, 35 of its games have gone over the total, while 21 have gone under and just one has pushed. This year, the team’s 18-8 SU at home.
The Sharks have connected on 24.3 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked eighth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 82.3 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 25.0 saves per game with a .899 save percentage, Martin Jones (28-14-4) has been the top goalkeeper for the Sharks this season. If San Jose chooses to rest him, however, head coach Peter Deboer could roll with Aaron Dell (8-10-10 record, .892 save percentage, 3.04 goals against average).
Over on the visiting bench, Washington is 31-26 straight up (SU) and has lost 2.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 57 regular season outings, 30 of its games have gone over the total, while 24 have gone under the total and just three have pushed. The Capitals are 14-12 SU as the away team this season.
The Capitals have converted on 21.0 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 23rd overall and it’s successfully killed off 78.6 percent of all penalties.
Braden Holtby (.907 save percentage and 3.04 goals against average) has been the main option in goal for Washington. Holtby is averaging 28.0 saves per game and owns a 19-21-6 record.
Washington Capitals at San Jose Sharks Betting Predictions
NHL Tip: SU Winner – Sharks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The Sharks are 0-3 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Capitals are 3-1 in shootouts.
- For both of these clubs, the over has hit in three of their last five outings.
- The Sharks are 14-11 in games where they outshoot their opponent by 10 or more. They’ve averaged the league’s third-most shots on goal (34.2) while the Capitals have attempted just the 24th-most (34.2).
- Four of Washington’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-3 in those games.
- Washington skaters have dished out the 12th-most hits in the league (23.1 per game).
