Check out our free Capitals vs Blue Jackets pick and preview for this NHL matchup in Columbus. See who we like to win and cover the puck line in this regular season NHL matchup.
- The Capitals head into the game at 19-6-2.
- The Capitals come into the game ranked 15th in shots on goal.
- The Capitals are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Hurricanes.
- The Blue Jackets have a 12-13-3 so far this season.
- In terms of giveaways, the Blue Jackets are currently 19th in the league.
- The Blue Jackets are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Capitals.
Capitals vs Blue Jackets Preview
Looking to win big? The Capitals and Blue Jackets face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Blue Jackets are hosting the game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. The Capitals are the -1.5 goal favorites in this Metropolitan division matchup against the Blue Jackets. The over/under for the game is set at 6.5 goals.
Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NHL
- Teams: Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets
- Where: Columbus at Nationwide Arena
- Date: Thursday, December 12th
- Betting Odds WAS -1.5, WAS -162 | CBJ +136 O/U 6.5
Capitals Preview: Can the Capitals Deliver Being Favored on the Road?
After a 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes, the Capitals now sit at 19-6-2. Washington had a 2-1 lead after the first period, but Carolina scored three unanswered goals to secure the win. The total for the game was set at 6 goals, and the combined score hit that number exactly, resulting in a push.
Washington was the underdog on the puck line, and their defense struggled, allowing 44 shots. The Capitals’ goals came in the first period, with Alex Ovechkin tying the game at 1-1 and Brandon Duhaime giving them the lead shortly after.
Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season, scoring on a power play at 19:16 in the first period. Brandon Duhaime followed with his 2nd goal, just 33 seconds later at 19:49. Nic Dowd picked up his 2nd assist of the season on Duhaime’s goal, while Dylan Strome added his 13th assist on Ovechkin’s power play goal.
Washington managed 21 shots on goal but was held scoreless after the first period. The Capitals struggled with 15 giveaways in the game.
Defensively, the Capitals will look to bounce back after giving up three straight goals in their last game, including two in the second period and one late in the third. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, but the defense allowed 44 shots on goal from the Hurricanes.
Blue Jackets Preview: Will Columbus Pull Through as the Underdog Home Team?
Columbus fell to 12-13-3 after a 7-2 loss to the Capitals. The Blue Jackets, as underdogs on the puck line, allowed five goals in the first period. The total line was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 9 goals easily surpassed that mark.
Columbus managed to score twice, but their defense struggled throughout. Damon Severson and Kevin Labanc each found the net for the Blue Jackets, who are now below .500 for the season.
Columbus fired 36 shots on goal but only found the net twice in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson scored his 4th goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his 2nd. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the 1st period before Severson got them on the board 49 seconds into the 2nd.
Columbus recorded 13 giveaways and didn’t capitalize on any power play opportunities. Adam Fantilli picked up his 4th assist on Severson’s goal, while Sean Monahan earned his 5th assist on Labanc’s 2nd-period tally.
Columbus's defense had a rough outing in their last game, allowing 7 goals on just 22 shots from the Capitals. Goalie Daniil Tarasov made 15 saves but posted a save percentage of 68.2%. The Blue Jackets' defense also had 10 takeaways and 17 hits. After closing the gap to 6-2, they gave up the final goal at 1:26 in the 3rd period.
Capitals vs Blue Jackets Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- In their last five road games, Washington has averaged 4 goals per game while allowing 2 . The team's record in this stretch was 5-0 while going 5-0 vs. the spread.
- Through their last three home games, Columbus has an puck line record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 3 goals per game.
- Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Blue Jackets have a straight up record of 5-5. But, their mark vs the puck line was just 5-5.
- Looking back on the team's last ten games as the favorite, the Capitals have a straight up record of 7-3. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 5-5.
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Capitals vs Blue Jackets Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Pick: OVER 6.5 Goals
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