Capital One Arena will be the site for an East-West matchup as the Washington Capitals welcome the first-year franchise Vegas Golden Knights. It’s the last time that these two clubs will meet in the regular season. NBC Sports Washington will air the game, and the action gets going at 0:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 4.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Washington Capitals Odds
Vegas (+105) is entering this one as the underdog to Washington (-125) and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 6 goals (-115 for the over, -105 for the under).
Vegas is 34-17 straight up (SU) and has earned 20.1 units for moneyline bettors this season. Through 51 regular season matches, 28 of its games have gone over the total, while 21 have gone under and just two have pushed. As a road team this season, the Knights are 15-12 SU.
Vegas has converted on 20.9 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, it has the eighth-strongest penalty kill in the league, and it’s successfully killed off 82.7 percent of its penalties.
For the team as a whole, the Knights have been sent to the penalty box just 3.3 times per game overall this season, 3.2 per game over its past five total, and 3.2 per game over its last five games as the visiting team. The team has had to kill penalties just 7.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Averaging 29.1 saves per game with a .942 save percentage, Marc-Andre Fleury (14-6-2) has been the best option in goal for Vegas this season. If head coach Gerard Gallant chooses to rest him, however, the team might turn to Malcolm Subban (12-4-1), who has a .912 save percentage and 2.59 goals against average this year.
Jonathan Marchessault and David Perron will both lead the offensive attack for the visiting Golden Knights. Marchessault (48 points) is up to 18 goals and 30 assists, and has recorded two or more points 14 times. Perron has 13 goals and 33 assists to his name (and has registered a point in 32 games).
Washington is 30-21 straight up (SU) and has earned moneyline bettors 4.8 units this season. 29 of its games have gone over the total, while 22 have gone under and none have pushed. It’s 19-8 SU at home this season.
The Capitals have converted on just 20.5 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 21st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 79.1 percent of all penalties.
Capitals skaters have been whistled for penalties 4.2 times per game in total this season, and 3.6 per game over their last five home outings. The team has had to kill penalties 10.6 minutes per contest over their last five home games.
Braden Holtby (28.4 saves per game) has been the primary netminder in goal for the Capitals. Holtby has 26 wins, 12 losses, and two OT losses to his credit and has registered a .914 save percentage and 2.78 goals against average this season.
The Caps offense will be led by Alex Ovechkin (32 goals, 24 assists).
Vegas Golden Knights at Washington Capitals Betting Predictions
NHL Tip: SU Winner – Golden Knights, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Vegas is 2-2 in games decided by a shootout this season while Washington is 3-1 in shootouts.
- The over has hit in three of Washington’s last five games.
- Five of Vegas last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 4-1 in those games.
- The Capitals this season have tallied the 10th-most hits per game (22.6).
