The bizarre case of Braden Holtby being stuck at the boarder because of his pet turtles

According to his wife Brandi, the goaltender has been waylaid by paperwork.

The Washington Capitals lost beloved goalie Braden Holtby to free agency this year when he agreed to a 2 year deal with the Vancouver Canucks, expect it seems now that U.S. Customs just doesn’t want him to leave.

Early on Wednesday afternoon, Holtby’s wife Brandie sent out an odd request on Twitter, asking if anyone had connections at Federal Fish and Wildlife to push along some paperwork for the couple’s two turtles, Honey and Maple, as they try to get across the boarder from the US into Canada.

“Hey Twitter, does anyone have any sweet connections with Federal Fish and Wildlife that could push some export papers along in order to get two happy tortoises across the border? We miss our boys!” she tweeted along with some turtle and flag emojis.

Per her initial tweet, it sounded like the reptiles were stuck in some kind of animal quarantine. A few hours later, the scenario got far more comical and uh, possibly troubling, because it sounds like Holtby the human may be stuck at the boarder too.

When a user asked if the paperwork had been submitted, Brandi noted one set was filed, while the other was not, and that uh, her husband was also just chilling with their pets somewhere along the boarder.

“No, we didn’t know we needed an export permit (we did do the import permit for the Canadian side) so now Braden is stuck at the border with two tortoises,” she wrote along with an emoji of an embarrassed monkey.

When I, being the intrepid reporter I am, also tweeted about it, she replied with a “You are correct!”

Anyway, so, at the moment, it looks like Holtby is stuck somewhere on the US side, waiting to get into Canada so if anyone’s got a boarder connect, I’m sure the Holtby’s would be very appreciative.

This is a developing story! Keep it here for updates. 

Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (40-20-7) and Pittsburgh Penguins (39-21-6) tangle at PPG Paints Arena in the Steel City at 1 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Capitals-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Matt Murray

Holtby is 24-14-5 with a 3.16 goals against average and .896 save percentage. He won his previous start against the Penguins Feb. 23, allowing three goals on 35 shots. Backup Ilya Samsonov, who is 16-6-2 with a 2.55 GAA and .913 SV%, lost his only appearance against the Pens, coughing up four goals on 33 shots, so it’s likely Holtby is tabbed.

Murray has started each of the previous two meetings with the Caps with mixed results. He is 1-1-0 with a 3.53 GAA and .870 SV% in his two outings against Washington, both in D.C. Murray has been much more steady at home, going 10-2-3 with a 2.58 GAA and .918 SV%, as opposed to 9-8-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .883 SV% on the road. All-Star Tristan Jarry is starting to slip, and he has dropped three starts in a row. His GAA is at 2.86 since the All-Star Game, much higher than the 2.16 GAA before the break.


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Capitals at Penguins: 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 at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-129) are the play, as the Capitals (+105) have really struggled on the road recently. They’re just 1-5 in their past six away from the nation’s capital, while Pittsburgh is a strong 12-5 in its previous 17 against teams with a winning overall record. Yes, the Pens have also struggled recently, winning just two of their past eight overall, but Pittsburgh is also 11-5 in the past 16 battles with the Caps in the Steel City, too.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Penguins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.80 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PENGUINS (-1.5, +200) is a tremendous value. While I am picking the home side to win by just one goal, Pittsburgh is worth a small-unit bet with a chance to double your money. Just don’t get carried away.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (+115) could be a solid play at plus-money, especially if we get some fire wagon hockey. Holtby has given up more than three goals per game, and Murray has also been very generous.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Montreal Canadiens (27-27-8) visit the Washington Capitals (37-17-5) Thursday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Canadiens-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Canadiens enter on a five-game skid, recently losing at the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 Tuesday. The Capitals own a two-game losing streak and have dropped four of their last five – recently suffering a 3-2 setback at the Vegas Golden Knights Monday.

Canadiens at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price vs. Braden Holtby

Price is 24-22-5 with a 2.76 goals against average (GAA), a .910 save percentage and three shutouts. The 2015 Vezina Trophy winner’s recent struggles have been in direct correlation with the Habs’ skid. He’s allowed 17 goals – at least 3 per game – in the current five-game losing streak. He’s 1-1 vs. the Capitals this season, winning at Washington 5-2 Nov. 15, and losing 4-2 (allowing 3 goals) in Montreal Jan. 27.

Holtby – the 2016 Vezina Trophy winner – is 21-13-4 with a 3.11 GAA, an .897 SV% and no shutouts. He was pulled in his last start after yielding 7 goals on 25 shots in a 7-2 loss vs. the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday. He did win the start before that, beating the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 Feb. 13. He did not play in the first game vs. the Canadiens, but he was the winning goalie Jan. 27 when he stopped 31 of 33 shots.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Canadiens at Capitals: Key injuries

Canadiens

  • D Victor Mete (foot) questionable
  • RW Brendan Gallagher (lower body) questionable

Capitals

  • C Evgeny Kuznetsov (upper body) questionable

Canadiens 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 at 2:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Canadiens 2

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. The Capitals (-209) are just too expensive. Every $2.09 wagered on the Caps ML only profits $1 if they win. The Canadiens (+170) offer value – a 1.7-to-1 payoff – but I can’t back a team on a 5-game slide. I’ll PASS.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

WASHINGTON (-1.5, +135) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Look for LF Alex Ovechkin to snap a 5-game scoreless streak in his quest for 700 career goals – he has 698 – in front of a raucous home crowd as the Caps return from a three-game road trip. The Canadiens (+1.5, -162) will be skating into an ambush here.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 5.5 (-154). The Over is 4-1-1 in the last six head-to-head matchups, while the Capitals are 6-0-1 Over in their last seven vs. Eastern Conference teams.

Every $1.54 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 10-5.

Strongest plays (all sports) since Dec. 1: 24-10.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Washington Capitals at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Washington Capitals at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (36-15-5) travel to meet the Colorado Avalanche (33-16-6) at Pepsi Center in Denver at 9:30 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Capitals-Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Capitals at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Philipp Grubauer

Holtby enters the game with a 20-11-4 record, 3.17 goals against average and .894 save percentage. Lately, it has been a challenge, as he has allowed four or more goals in seven of his past 11 starts, but it’s more a product of the defense struggling in front of him rather than poor tending. Just ask backup Ilya Samsonov, as he coughed up five goals last time out against the New York Islanders, but most just weren’t his fault.

Grubauer has been humming right along lately, going 4-0-0 with a 0.67 GAA across his past four outings, although two of those games were against the lowly Ottawa Senators and one against the struggling Buffalo Sabres. This will be a huge measuring stick game against his former organization. He allowed three goals on 32 shots in a 6-3 win in Washington Oct. 14, and who knows the Caps better?


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Capitals at Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-143) will have the brooms out looking for the two-game regular-season sweep, and they will get it. The Capitals (+120) are just playing shoddy defense lately, and they cannot be trusted.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Avalanche to win returns a profit of $7, while a $10 wager on the Capitals results in a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The way the Caps are performing on defense, the AVALANCHE (-1.5, +180) are a tempting play at nearly double the return on investment. The Capitals (+1.5, -222) would normally be a slam-dunk play, if not getting goals as an underdog, but on the moneyline. They’re in a tailspin right now and facing a high-octane offense that could roll up plenty of goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (+115) is worth a small-unit bet, as the Capitals offense remains dynamic, and they’re leaking oil on the defensive end. That’s a strong recipe for an Over result, especially against a Colorado offense which ranks No. 1 with 3.6 goals per game.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s New York Islanders at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Islanders (31-16-6) and Washington Capitals (36-14-5) drop the puck at Capital One Arena at 7 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Islanders-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Ilya Samsonov

Varlamov is 16-9-4 with a 2.58 goals against average and .915 save percentage. The veteran has actually been heads and tails better on the road than at home, posting a 2.90 GAA and .906 SV% at home, and a sparkling 2.18 GAA and .926 SV% mark on the road. He is 1-2-0 with a 3.39 GAA and .896 SV% in three starts against the Caps this season.

The rookie Samsonov is expected to get the nod after Braden Holtby was tuned up and pulled from his last start against the Flyers over the weekend. Samsonov has a tremendous 16-3-1 record, 2.19 GAA and .923 SV% through his 18 starts and four relief appearances. He has faced the Isles twice, including one start, posting a 2-0-0 record, 0.75 GAA and .970 save percentage.


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Islanders at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Islanders 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (+155) are a tempting play at this price level, but Varlamov and head coach Barry Trotz’s bunch have struggled against the Capitals (-189). Look for the home side to win, although they’re a risky play with this kind of chalk. AVOID and look to the puck line.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $15.50, while a $10 wager on the Capitals results in a profit of $5.30.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS (-1.5, +145) are a great play at home with a moderate return. If it were Holtby in the crease, it would be much riskier, but they’re a better play with Samsonov in net. Plus, Washington took it on the chin last time out by a 7-2 score, so you know they’ll be champing at the bit. Look for Washington to get off to a fast start in this one.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (+115) is a value play at plus-money. While the Over is 3-1-1 in the Isles’ past five games overall, the Under is 24-9-3 in their past 36 as a road underdog and 35-17-4 in their past 56 on the road. The Under is also 5-2 in the past seven meetings in this series, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Kings at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Kings at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Kings (19-29-5) and Washington Capitals (35-13-5) will do battle at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Kings-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Kings at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Quick vs. Braden Holtby

Quick is looking to avenge a 3-1 loss at Staples Center in his first meeting with the Capitals Dec. 4. He allowed two goals on 21 shots in defeat. He has stumbled to an 11-19-3 record, 3.02 goals against average and .895 save percentage across his 33 starts this season. Surprisingly, he is 5-6-2 with a respectable 2.53 GAA and .911 save percentage in 13 starts against the Eastern Conference.

Holtby heads into this one with a 19-10-4 mark, 3.11 GAA and .896 SV% through his 35 starts. He has a sparkling 8-2-3 record with a 3.17 GAA and .898 save percentage in 14 starts against the Western Conference.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Kings 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 at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Capitals (-250) are too big of a risk at this price level, and the Kings (+200) aren’t worth a look even though you can double your money. The Caps have the most points in the NHL; the Kings have the worst record in the Western Conference and second-fewest points in the NHL. This is going to be a beatdown but look to the puck line for a better value. AVOID.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Capitals to win returns a profit of $4, while a $10 wager on the Kings results in a profit of $20.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS (-1.5, +110) are a much better value laying a goal and a half. In addition, you can bet on the winning margin in regular time, and the Caps to win by exactly 2 (+500) or 3 (+450) are awfully attractive alternative bets as well. The Kings are 1-4 in the past five trips to D.C., and the home team is 8-3 in the past 11 meetings with the favorite going 4-0 in the past four.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-143) will cost you rather moderate juice, but it’s a nice play. In fact, Washington has the potential to take care of the Over all on its own. While the Under dominates the trends for L.A., the Over is 22-8 in the past 30 games at home for the Caps and 5-0-1 in the past six as a favorite, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Washington Capitals at Montreal Canadiens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Capitals at Montreal Canadiens sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Washington Capitals (33-11-5) visit the Montreal Canadiens (22-21-7) Monday at the Bell Centre for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Capitals-Canadiens odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Capitals, who lead the Metropolitan Division by 4 points, open the second half of the season on a three-game winning streak. The Canadiens own a two-game win streak and have won four of their last five.

Capitals at Canadiens: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Carey Price

Holtby is 18-9-4 with a 3.09 goals against average (GAA) and a .897 save percentage. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner allowed four goals on 22 shots in his last start before being removed for Ilya Samsonov after the second period at the New York Islanders Jan. 18 – Washington scored five third-period goals to rally for a 6-4 win.

Price – the 2015 Vezina Trophy winner – is 20-16-4 with a 2.84 GAA and a .908 SV%. He won his last four starts and features a 2.11 GAA in January. He stopped 26 of 28 shots in a 5-2 home win vs. the Capitals Nov. 15, the one time these two clubs met this season.


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Capitals at Canadiens: Key injuries, suspensions

Capitals

  • LW Alex Ovechkin (one-game suspension for skipping All-Star game) out

Canadiens

  • C Paul Byron (knee) out
  • C Jonathan Drouin (wrist) out
  • RW Brendan Gallagher (head) out

Capitals at Canadiens: 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 at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Canadiens 5, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

Back the CANADIENS (+115) despite a 10-12-4 home record and the Capitals’ 18-6-1 road mark. Washington is (-139), but Holtby has struggled in January, going 1-2 with a 3.82 GAA and an .857 SV% in four starts.

Every $1 wagered on the Canadiens ML will profit $1.15 if they prevail.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Montreal (+1.5, -239) is too expensive – the Habs are 25-25 vs. the PL overall and 9-17 vs. the PL at home. Washington (-1.5, +190) offers a 1.9-to-1 payoff, but since I’m going with the home team ML play, I’ll PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is bit more costly than usual, but it’s the STRONGEST PLAY. I won’t be surprised if the O/U closes at 6. Washington is 7-3 O/U in its last 10 and 31-18 O/U overall. Montreal is usually an Under team, going 2-8 O/U in its last 10, but I’m counting on the Habs to find the back of the net several times vs. Holtby.

Every $1.54 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 36-24-2. Strongest plays: 20-9.

January’s NHL record: 5-2. Strongest plays: 3-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tamp Bay Lightning (17-12-4) visit the Washington Capitals (25-6-5) Saturday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Lightning-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Lightning lost at home to the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime Thursday after blowing a two-goal, early second-period lead.

The Capitals, led by Nicklas Backstrom’s two goals and two assists, won at the New Jersey Devils 6-3 Friday.

Lightning at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Braden Holtby

Vasilevskiy is 14-9-2 with a 2.88 goals against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage. The 2019 Vezina Trophy winner is 0-1-1 against the Capitals this season, allowing 8 goals – 4 in each game – on a total of 68 shots. He is 5-2-1 in December and 6-4-1 on the road.

Holtby is 16-4-4 with a 2.82 GAA and a .909 SV%. The 2016 Vezina winner beat the Lightning 4-3 in OT at home Nov. 29, stopping 27 of 30 shots. He is 3-2 in December and 7-1-3 at home.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Lighting at Capitals: Key injuries

Lightning

  • D Braydon Coburn (lower body) out

Lightning 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 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Lightning 4

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS -115 are the STRONGEST PLAY as they’re looking to complete a three-game season sweep of the Lightning (-106). The Capitals, who own the best record in the NHL, are 9-2 in their last 11 games and are 9-3-4 at home. The Lightning, 5-13 in their last 18 at the Capitals, are 5-5 in their last 10 overall and 8-5-2 on the road. Washington would be a bigger favorite had it not played Friday night in New Jersey.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on a Washington win would profit a $1 if it prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

PASS. While the Caps (-1.5, +225) have been dominant, they’re only 20-16 against the PL and an awful 5-11 vs. the PL at home. The Bolts (+1.5, -286) are 12-21 overall vs. the PL and 6-9 vs. the PL on the road. Such trends make this easy to avoid.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 6.5 (+115). Washington leads the league with 3.56 goals per game, while Tampa Bay is third at 3.52. Both head-to-head battles this season finished Over with the Caps claiming the 4-3 OT game in November and the 5-2 victory a week ago. Plus, the Capitals are 23-13 O/U overall and 12-4 O/U at home, while the Lightning are 20-12 O/U overall, but just 7-8 O/U on the road.

Every $1 bet on the Over profits $1.15 if there are 7 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 12-3-1. Strongest plays: 6-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Washington Capitals (24-5-5) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-14-6) Monday at Nationwide Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Capitals-Blue Jackets odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Capitals won at the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 Saturday behind a four-goal third period, improving to 15-2-1 on the road.

The Blue Jackets rallied with two goals in the third period Saturday only to lose 4-3 in overtime at the Ottawa Senators.

Capitals at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Joonas Korpisalo

Holtby is 16-3-4 with a 2.80 goals against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner has won five of his last six starts, including a 3-2 home win vs. the Boston Bruins last Wednesday when he stopped 30 of 32 shots.

Korpisalo is 12-10-3 with a 2.73 GAA and a .906 SV%. He’s 2-3-1 in his last six starts after recording four straight wins. He relieved backup Elvis Merzlikins to start the second period in the OT loss at Ottawa, allowing two goals on 19 shots.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Capitals at Blue Jackets: Key injuries

Blue Jackets

  • RW Josh Anderson (upper body) questionable
  • C Emil Bemstrom (upper body) out
  • LW Sonny Milano (concussion) questionable
  • D Ryan Murray (upper body) questionable
  • D Zach Werenski (shoulder) out

Capitals at Blue Jackets: 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 3:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Blue Jackets 1

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS -154 are the STRONGEST PLAY as they’ll be looking to avenge last Monday’s 5-2 home loss to these same Blue Jackets (+125). Columbus only has one win its last seven games and stunningly it was that upset at Washington – as a +199 underdog. Cam Atkinson scored twice and Korpisalo stopped 37 of 39 shots for the Blue Jackets, who snapped a Capitals’ six-game winning streak.

New to sports betting? Every $1.54 wagered on a Washington win would profit a $1 if the Capitals win outright.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Back the CAPITALS (-1.5, +170) here, too. They’re 14-4 vs. the puck line (PL) on the road, including 4-1 vs. the PL in their last five. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets (+1.5, -209) are 5-12 vs. the PL at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

If Holtby and Korpisalo are in net, the UNDER 5.5 (+115) is the way to go. Wait for later in the day in case the line climbs to 6. However, if there’s a goalie change, bet the Over 5.5 (+115). Washington is 22-12 O/U and ranks second in the league with 3.59 goals per game, but is only 10-8 O/U on the road. Columbus is 13-18 O/U overall with 2.47 goals per game, while the defense allows 3.03 goals per game. Plus, the Jackets are 6-11 O/U at home.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 9-1-1. Strongest plays: 5-0.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

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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