Should Snyder follow trend of D.C. sports teams with switch to red/white/blue color scheme?

With it yet to be decided if a new name will bring a new logo, Washington has an opportunity to adopt the patriotic colors of D.C. sports.

The general feeling throughout this entire name debate in Washington has been that, no matter what they’re called in the end, a large desire from fans and the owner is that the color scheme and logo stays the same.

This may present some obstacles down the road, as keeping the logo of a Native American Chief would severely limit your options when it comes to picking a new name — of the popular ideas that have been thrown out, seemingly only Warriors, or Americans work, while cases could be made for adding Redhawks and Redspears to the list.

However, if you were to wipe the slate clean, a few opportunities open themselves up. With a start-from-scratch approach, Washington could fall in line with a cool trend in D.C.; they could go with a red/white/blue color scheme like the other sports teams in the Nation’s Capital.

“I like the fact that the Nats, Wizards [and Capitals] all wear red white and blue,” former Washington player Shawn Springs said, via NBC Sports Washington. “I think that’d be a really cool thing for DC. And hell, both the [Nationals and Capitals] won. I just like something that’s gonna give you a theme with the rest of the teams [in DC].”

If you add the WNBA’s Washington Mystics to the list as well, then nearly every team in D.C. has the same color scheme — D.C. United of the MLS wears red/white/black. It also opens up the door for some cool name choices that go along with the presidential trend. However, none of this can happen if Snyder chooses to keep the current logo, which some might already find is part of the problem.

We’ll see which path he chooses to take.

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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.


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


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

Previewing Thursday’s Washington Capitals at New York Rangers sports betting odds, picks and best bets

The Washington Capitals (40-20-6) take on the New York Rangers (35-27-4) at Madison Square Garden on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Capitals-Rangers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Capitals at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov vs. Henrik Lundqvist

The rookie Samsonov is confirmed to start at Madison Square Garden, putting his 16-6-1 records, 2.40 goals against average and .917 save percentage on the line. This will be his first career matchup against the Blueshirts.

King Henrik is projected to make the start after Alexandar Georgiev made the start last time out. Lundqvist is 10-12-3 with a 3.19 GAA and .904 SV% across his 26 starts and 29 appearances. He is 1-1-0 with a 2.54 GAA And .922 SV% in his two assignments against the Caps this season.


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


Capitals at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Capitals 3, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS (-143) are a solid play on the road against the Rangers (+120), even though they just played yesterday. Plus, the Caps are 6-2 in their past eight games in the second end of a back-to-back situation. The Rangers have been hot, going 9-4 in the past 13, but they’re also 7-19 in the past 26 against teams with a winning percentage over .600.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Caps to grab the road win returns a profit of $7.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line isn’t a great play, even though the Capitals (-1.5, +170) are awfully tempting at this price. If you were to play a small-unit bet, the Caps are definitely the way to go as opposed to the Rangers (+1.5, -209). The best play is to AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-154) is a slam-dunk play even though the Caps games have been going Over the projected total recently. The Over is 4-1 in Washington’s past five, although the Under is 5-1 in their past six on the road. The Under is also 5-1 in the past six at MSG for the Rangers. The Under is also 5-1-1 in the past seven meetings in New York.

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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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.


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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.


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


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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New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

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

The New Jersey Devils (17-22-7) and Washington Capitals (31-11-5) tangle at the Capital One Arena in Washington at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Devils at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Louis Domingue vs. Ilya Samsonov

Domingue didn’t have it last time out against the Maple Leafs in Toronto Tuesday, as he was bombed for five goals on just 19 shots in a loss. However, he had turned back the Lightning to snap a 10-game win streak, and before that he allowed just one goal on 34 shots in a win in this very same venue against the Capitals last Saturday. Overall, he is 3-5-0 with a 3.55 goals against average and .884 save percentage in 10 appearances.

The rookie Samsonov continues to eat into Stanley Cup winner Braden Holtby’s playing time. He is 13-2-1 with a 2.11 GAA and .925. He wasn’t in net last weekend when the Devils surprised the Caps, but it was Holtby instead. Look for Samsonov to right the ship.


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


Devils 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 8:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Devils 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Capitals (-334) are overwhelming favorites, and if you’ve read my stuff in the past, you’ll know I choose to avoid favorites of more than -160 or -170 at the max. AVOID. On the flip side, the Devils (+260) pulled an upset last time they visited last week, but it’s not going to happen again.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Capitals ML will only profit $2.99 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

You’ll still have to lay money if you plan to bet the CAPITALS (-1.5, -115) on the puck line, but it’s almost even-money. You can expect Washington to be awfully angry after being embarrassed by these same Devils last weekend. If you’re believing in the Devils (+1.5, -106), or you feel this game will be a close one, New Jersey is nearly even-money catching a goal and a half. I’m not buying it, though.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+105) is worth a small-unit wager at plus-money. The Over has hit in nine of the past 13 games overall for the Devils, and five of their past seven road outings. In addition, they’re playing their fourth game in six days, and they’re 4-1 in the past five in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. The Over is also 19-8 in the past 27 at home for the Caps.

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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Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

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

The Carolina Hurricanes (27-16-2) and Washington Capitals (30-11-5) battle at Capital One Arena in Washington at 7 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Hurricanes-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Hurricanes at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Petr Mrazek vs. Ilya Samsonov

Mrazek posted a shutout his last time out, Friday against the Arizona Coyotes. He has posted a 17-10-2 record with a 2.64 goals against average and .905 save percentage. He and backup James Reimer have three shutouts apiece, the first time in Whalers/Hurricanes franchise history they’ve had two goaltenders with three or more shutouts in the same season.

The rookie Samsonov is 12-2-1 with a 2.24 GAA and .921 save percentage, and he continues to eat into the playing time of Braden Holtby. He allowed three goals on 41 shots Jan. 3 in Raleigh in a win in his only meeting against the Hurricanes.


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


Hurricanes 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 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS (-143) will be facing a team coming off of back-to-back wins, so the Hurricanes (+120) are due to let a few in, especially in a hostile environment.

Carolina is also 2-9 in the past 11 games against Metropolitan Division opponents, and Washington is 1-4 in the past five divisional matchups, so something’s gotta give. The Caps are 12-5 in the past 17 as a favorite, so the arrow definitely points at them.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Capitals ML will profit $7.00 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS (-1.5, +180) might be a nice small-unit play. They edged the Canes 4-3 in Raleigh last time they met, snapping a four-game winning streak by Carolina in this series, including last season’s playoff matchup. Despite a win earlier this season, and a Game 7 win in D.C., the Canes are still just 4-11 in their past 15 trips to the nation’s capital.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-139) isn’t a slam-dunk play, but a good bet with Carolina coming in having pitched two straight shutouts, while Samsonov tends twine for Washington. He barely gives up more than two goals per contest.

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