The Columbus Blue Jackets (11-14-4) visit the Washington Capitals (22-4-5) Monday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
The Blue Jackets lost their fourth in a row Saturday, falling at the Florida Panthers 4-1 in the first game of a four-game road swing.
Meanwhile, the Capitals are on a six-game win streak. C Jakub Vrana scored the winner 1:37 in to the third period to give Washington a 3-2 victory at the Anaheim Ducks on Friday to wrap up a perfect four-game road trip.
Blue Jackets at Capitals: Projected starting goalies
Joonas Korpisalo vs. Braden Holtby
Korpisalo is 11-10-1 with a 2.85 goals against average (GAA) and a .900 save percentage. He lost his last two starts, allowing three goals in each contest, and has lost three of his last four.
Holtby is 15-2-4 with a 2.78 GAA and a .910 SV%. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner is on a four-game win streak, stopping 114 of 124 shots.
Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.
Blue Jackets at Capitals: Key injuries
Blue Jackets
- D Zach Werenski (shoulder) out
- C Emil Bemstrom (upper body) questionable
Capitals
- C Nicklas Backstrom (upper body) probable
Blue Jackets at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Monday at 1:05 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Capitals 6, Blue Jackets 2
Moneyline (ML)
The Capitals (-239) are not losing this one, but the price is too costly. Every $2.39 wagered on a Washington win would profit only a $1 if the Caps prevail. I can’t advise anyone to bet that kind of chalk – however, I’m going to play it for a few coins. The Blue Jackets are +195, meaning every $1 wagered would profit $1.95 if they win.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
If you don’t want to take the risk with their ML, the CAPITALS (-1.5, +115) puck line offers $1.15 for every $1 wagered if they win by two goals or more. Keep in mind that Washington is 5-9 at home on the PL – the Caps’ last two home wins were only by a goal apiece. While Columbus (+1.5, -139) is struggling, it is 7-5 vs. the PL on the road (but 12-17 on the PL overall). Only one of its last four losses was by one goal. Thus, a small lean with the home team.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 5.5 (-154) is the STRONGEST PLAY – if you’re passing on the Capitals ML. Washington is 20-11 O/U and ranks third in the league with 3.61 goals per game. However, Columbus is 11-17 O/U and ranks 30th (out of 31 teams) with 2.45 goals per game. The positive side of this play, the Blue Jackets allow 3.10 goals per game.
Every $1.54 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Johnny’s NHL record: 4-5. Strongest plays: 2-2.
2019 plays (all sports): 226-199-4. Strongest plays: 94-83.
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