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.
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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.
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