Washington Capitals betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 12

New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New Jersey Devils (12-15-4) and Washington Capitals (21-7-4) meet Friday night to close out a two-game set. TPuck drop at Capital One Arena will be shortly after 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Devils-Capitals odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Devils at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Devils +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Capitals -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Devils +1.5 (-155) | Capitals -1.5 (+125)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Devils at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Scott Wedgewood (3-4-2, .918 SV%, 2.59 GAA) vs. Ilya Samsonov (6-1-0, .908 SV%, 2.48 GAA)

Wedgewood coughed up 5 goals to these Capitals in his last road start (March 9), but he has rallied and has logged a .933 SV% in three starts since. That stretch includes a fine 40 saves on 42 shots performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a win March 18.

Samsonov was on the COVID-19 list and then the Caps’ taxi squad for much of January and February after making just two starts at the start of the season. The second-year NHL’er owns a .920 SV% in seven games since Feb. 28. Samsonov owns a .918 SV% over 14 career games at home.

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Devils at Capitals: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 3, Devils 2

Money line (ML)

Washington is 15-3-1 since Feb. 16. Recent possession and expected-goal metrics lean a bit toward New Jersey, but the Devils are playing their fifth game in seven days. The Caps figure to also have an edge in goal, perhaps an underestimated edge.

BACK THE CAPITALS (-200).

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS. The recent New Jersey analytics, the bounce-back nature of Game-2s, and the rest situation bring in too much gray area.

Over/Under (O/U)

The strongest part of the play for both teams in recent successes has been in preventing scores. The strongest play here is the UNDER 6 (-110); this price may well require a quick-trigger play.

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Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (15-6-4) play the first game of a two-game road set against the Philadelphia Flyers (13-7-3) Thursday at Wells Fargo Center Center. Puck drop will be shortly after 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Flyers odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Caps and Flyers are second and fifth, respectively, in the tight East Division. The season series is tied 1-1 with Philly winning 7-4 Feb. 7 and Washington evening it up with a 3-1 victory Sunday.

The Flyers are coming off a 5-4 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday. The Capitals followed their win over the Flyers with a 5-4 overtime victory of their own against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday.

Capitals at Flyers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Flyers -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals -1.5 (+230) | Flyers +1.5 (-300)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Capitals at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov (3-0-1, .907 SV%, 2.45 GAA) vs. Brian Elliott (7-2-0, .919 SV%, 2.29 GAA)

Samsonov has won back-to-back starts since returning in late February from a lengthy stay within the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols. He stopped 36 of 37 Flyers shots in Sunday’s victory. All five of his games thus far have been on the road.

Elliott allowed 4 goals on 27 shots in a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday, but he was thrust back into action Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres after starter Carter Hart allowed 3 goals on just 8 shots. Elliott stopped 11 of the 12 shots he faced and was credited with a win earned by the Philly offense.

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Capitals at Flyers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 4, Flyers 2

Money line (ML)

Back Samsonov and the CAPITALS (-110) to run it back following Sunday’s solid victory. The Caps registered 58.44% of the total shot attempts and 60.61% of the scoring chances at 5-on-5 in the 3-1 win.

Washington is better than Philadelphia in both metrics for the season as a whole. Elliott is the better of the two Philly netminders, but Samsonov is returning to his breakout 2019-20 form and should be given the edge in this goaltending battle.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Both power-play and penalty-kill rates favor the Capitals, but the Flyers are the better-disciplined team with just 7.0 penalty minutes served per game. Both teams draw just 7.6 penalty minutes per game from their opponents.

The CAPITALS -1.5 (+230) can be backed with a small bet for a win by 2 or more goals, but the money line is the significantly stronger play. It’ll likely require a late empty-netter from the Caps for a multi-goal win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Even with the threat of the empty-net tally and a multi-goal win for the Caps, back the UNDER 6.5 (-115) in a strong goalie matchup.

There shouldn’t be many penalties in this tight-fought rivalry game, and full-strength scoring will be held in check.

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Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (13-6-4) will play the final game of their five-game road trip Sunday by visiting the Philadelphia Flyers (12-6-3) in an East Division clash at Wells Fargo Center. Puck drop will be shortly after 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Flyers odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Capitals started this trip 3-0 before suffering an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins Friday. Washington hasn’t dropped back-to-back games since losing four in a row to start February. It’ll look to avenge a 7-4 loss to these Flyers on home ice as part of that prior skid.

The Flyers are on the second half of a back-to-back after losing 4-3 on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday. The game was tied through 50 minutes before Penguins C Jared McCann netted the winner.

Capitals at Flyers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Flyers -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-250) | Flyers -1.5 (+200)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Capitals at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov (2-0-1, .877 SV%, 2.87 GAA) vs. Carter Hart (6-4-3, .893 SV%, 3.49 GAA)

Samsonov will return to the crease after stopping six of seven shots in a relief appearance against the Bruins Friday. He last started last Sunday against the New Jersey Devils and stopped 19 of 21 shots in a victory.

Hart has been losing playing time to backup Brian Elliott but gets the nod in the second end of the back-to-back. He allowed 5 goals on 27 shots in a loss to the Penguins Tuesday. He gave up 4 goals on 37 shots in a road win over the Capitals Feb. 7.

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Capitals at Flyers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 4, Flyers 3

Money line (ML)

The CAPITALS (-105) are the play as slight road underdogs. They’ve had a day to rest and recover from Friday’s tough loss, while the Flyers are on short rest with travel back from Saturday’s loss in Pittsburgh.

The Caps outshot the Flyers 37-23 in their previous meeting this season. Starter Vitek Vanecek allowed 4 goals on 14 shots and backup Craig Anderson allowed another 2 tallies on 8 shots in relief. Philly then added a late empty-netter.

Back Washington with the flip to Samsonov for Sunday’s game.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the spread. The value is in backing the Capitals to pull the road upset rather than laying the -250 for 1 goal of insurance.

This projects as another high-scoring game. That could skew the result with a lack of discipline or late empty-net markers.

Over/Under (O/U)

Bet the OVER 6 (-120) even though Samsonov should be expected to fare better than both Vanecek and Anderson in Game 1 of this season series.

He’s still a little rusty with just one start since returning from the COVID-19 list. Hart has looked little like his own self from the past two seasons at the Flyers’ end.

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Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (13-5-4) are still on the road for the second half of a two-game set against the Boston Bruins (12-5-3) at TD Garden. Friday’s puck drop will be at 7 p.m. ET following Washington’s 2-1 shootout win Wednesday. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Bruins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Caps have rung up four straight wins to take control in the East Division. Friday’s contest will be the fourth game of a five-game road trip.

The Bruins have lost five of seven games coming into Friday. Three of those losses were by multi-goal margins. These teams split a two-game set earlier in the season but Boston managed to come away with three points.

Capitals at Bruins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Bruins -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-200) | Bruins -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Capitals at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov (2-0-1, .878 SV%, 2.92 GAA) vs. Jaroslav Halak (4-2-1, .903 SV%, 2.42 GAA)

Samsonov will make just his second start since a prolonged stay on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols list. He stopped 19 of 21 shots in a win over the New Jersey Devils Sunday. He’ll need to string together some quality starts to regain the No. 1 job in net from rookie Vitek Vanecek.

Halak enters off of back-to-back losses for the first time this season. He allowed a total of 10 goals on 63 shots in games against the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders. He stopped 23 of 26 shots in a victory over the Caps Feb. 1.

Capitals at Bruins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 3, Bruins 2

Money line (ML)

The CAPITALS (+125) are an attractive underdog play following Wednesday’s narrow head-to-head victory. They registered 53.25% of the total shot attempts and 57.58% of the scoring chances at 5-on-5 in the victory and took control in the third period.

Both teams were 0-for-2 on the power play in the first half of this two-game set. They both have top-10 power-play units for the season, but an edge goes to Washington with a fifth-ranked 28.07% conversion rate with the man advantage.

Boston has the edge on the penalty kill, but it also takes more penalty minutes per game than Washington.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the puck line and stick with the much more rewarding payout for the money line upset.

Washington is 13-9 against the spread compared to Boston’s 5-15 ATS record.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 6 (-105).

Wednesday’s game needed a shootout to get to 3 total goals scored, and it was the second straight Under result for both teams. Expect another prove-it game from Samsonov, and Halak should get back on track following a pair of poor results.

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Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (12-5-4) visit the Boston Bruins (12-5-2) Wednesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at TD Garden. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Bruins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Capitals at Bruins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 4:17 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Bruins -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-225) | Bruins -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Capitals at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov (2-0-1, 2.92 GAA, .878 SV%) vs. Tuukka Rask (8-3-1, 2.71 GAA, .896 SV%)

Samsonov will make his fourth start of the season, and each assignment has been on the road. His lone setback was a 4-3 shootout loss at the Pittsburgh Penguins Jan. 17. His most recent outing was his best showing, turning aside 19 of 21 shots in a 3-2 win at the New Jersey Devils.

Rask is projected as the Bruins’ starter. He will look to tap into whatever he did last time out at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers Sunday when he allowed just one goal on 21 shots, tying a season best for goals allowed (three times). He will face the Capitals for the first time since Jan. 30 when he lost 4-3 in overtime at Capital One Arena. Rask allowed four goals on 23 shots in that one.

Capitals at Bruins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Bruins 4, Capitals 2

Money line (ML)

The BRUINS (-150) are moderate favorites on their home ice. While Washington has been hot, winning four of the past five games overall, it has dropped four of the past five as a road underdog. Boston is also 5-1 in the previous six at home, and 4-0 in its past four against teams with a winning record.

This goes against the series trends, however, as Washington has won 36 of the past 51 vs. Boston, including eight wins in the past nine trips to Beantown.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The BRUINS -1.5 (+180) are a tempting play as you can nearly double up if they can cover the puck line. This also goes against the trends in this series. It might take an empty-net goal late, but this is certainly worth a small-unit play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U line is 6, and I am projecting a push in this particular matchup. If I had a lean, it would be to the Under, which is 19-6-1 in the previous 26 meetings in Massachusetts.

The alternate line of UNDER 6.5 (-125) is not a bad price.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (9-6-1) open a two-game set on the road against the Washington Capitals (9-5-3) Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Capital One Arena. Below we analyze the Penguins-Capitals NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Penguins at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:08 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Capitals -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins +1.5 (-275) | Capitals -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Penguins at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (5-5-1, 3.30 GAA, .892 SV%) at Vitek Vanecek (7-4-2, 2.92 GAA, .907 SV%)

Jarry enters on a two-start winning streak, helping the Caps sweep the visiting New York Islanders, concluding with Saturday’s 3-2 win. Prior to that two-game set, he split a pair of starts against the Capitals, going 1-1-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .918 SV%. While he has been rounding back into last season’s All-Star form at home, going 5-1-0 with a 2.31 GAA and .930 SV%, he is 0-4-1 with a 4.71 GAA and .826 SV% in five road outings.

Vanecek is likely to start Tuesday after veteran G Craig Anderson was in the crease Sunday. G Ilya Samsonov is still working his way back into playing shape after being sidelined since Jan. 17 due to COVID protocol. Vanecek is 1-1-1 with a 3.32 GAA and .892 SV% in three starts against the Pens this season.

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Penguins at Capitals: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 5, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

The CAPITALS (-115) are slight favorites at home against the rival Penguins. Washington enters 4-1 across the past five outings as a favorite, while winning nine of its past 13 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation, or three in four days. The Penguins, on the other hand, are 0-6 in their past six as underdogs, and 3-7 in the past 10 against teams with a winning record.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS -1.5 (+220) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line. While Washington’s last win as just by one goal over the New Jersey Devils Sunday, the Caps have won three of their past five by at least two goals. That includes a 3-1 win by the Caps in Pittsburgh Feb. 16 behind Vanecek. Three of the past four losses by the Pens are also by two or more goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-105) is the way to go, hitting in three straight for the Penguins. That includes the most recent meeting between these teams Feb. 16, a 3-1 win by Washington. While the Over is the dominant trend for the Caps lately, the Under is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings in D.C.

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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (7-5-1) look to sweep a two-game set against the Washington Capitals (6-4-3) at PPG Paints Arena Tuesday. Pittsburgh won Sunday’s contest by a 6-3 count. Tuesday’s puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Penguins NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Two of Pittsburgh’s six goals Sunday were of the empty-net variety inside the final 63 seconds. Capitals C Evgeny Kuznetsov opened the scoring 5:18 into the first period in his return to the lineup from the NHL’s COVID-19 list but the Penguins scored four of the next five goals.

The Penguins moved to 3-0 against the Caps for the season but Sunday’s game was the first to be decided in regulation. The East Division rivals will reunite next week for another two-game set in Washington.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Penguins -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-250) | Penguins -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Vitek Vanecek (5-3-2, .901 SV%, 3.26 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (3-4-1, .864 SV%, 3.82 GAA)

Vanecek’s expected to remain in net with Ilya Samsonov not yet ready to return to action after being cleared from the COVID protocols. He allowed 4 goals on 36 shots in Sunday’s loss to the Pens and has given up a total of 9 goals on 66 shots in two games against Pittsburgh.

Jarry’s coming off one of his top performances of the season with 28 saves on 31 shots in Sunday’s win. It snapped a personal three-game losing skid. Backup Casey DeSmith missed Sunday’s game and remains questionable for Tuesday due to a non-COVID illness.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 4, Penguins 2

Money line (ML)

The CAPITALS (+110) registered 54.76% of the 5-on-5 scoring chances Sunday and should be backed for some correction Tuesday. Jarry’s coming off just his third win of the season and hasn’t won back-to-back since starting both games against the Caps in January.

Kuznetsov scored the opening goal Sunday and logged 18:24 of ice time. Look for his usage to increase in his second game back in the lineup.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the puck line with Sunday’s result of two empty-net goals for the Penguins serving as fair warning of the risks with laying -250 for one goal of insurance in the event of a Capitals loss.

Washington has the league’s top power play at 35.48% and Pittsburgh is 28th by penalty-kill percentage at 70.73. This series should swing toward the Caps with an outright win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Lean to the UNDER 6.5 (+100) as the more profitable side of the projected goal total. Vanecek needs a strong performance to keep a hold on playing time once Samsonov returns to the lineup.

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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (6-3-3) open a two-game set against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins (6-5-1) Sunday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop will be at 3 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Penguins NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Capitals have been off since last Sunday after having one game against the Philadelphia Flyers and two against the Buffalo Sabres postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The Caps dropped three in a row before their forced hiatus.

Pittsburgh is coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the New York Islanders Thursday after dropping Game 1 of that set by the same score but in regulation. The Pens won both ends of a two-gamer with the Caps last month, winning 4-3 in a shootout and 5-4 in overtime.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:02 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Penguins -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-250) | Penguins -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Vitek Vanecek (5-2-2, .903 SV%, 3.18 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (2-4-1, .857 SV%, 3.95 GAA)

Vanecek has received some much-needed rest after taking over for Ilya Samsonov, who had been on the NHL’s COVID-19 list. The rookie is expected to get another one or two starts before handing No. 1 duties back to Samsonov. He started three straight losses for the Caps and gave up 4 goals on just 14 shots against the Flyers last Sunday.

Jarry is trending in the wrong direction again after picking up a pair of wins over the New York Rangers. He allowed a total of 11 goals in his last three starts. He didn’t face the Capitals earlier this season.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 5, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

Take the value with a well-rested and hungry CAPITALS (+110) team. The extended time off has allowed RW T.J. Oshie and C Evgeny Kuznetsov to rejoin the lineup with Samsonov’s return to the crease expected to be just a few days away.

Defense and goaltending remain issues for the Penguins, and they’re struggling to get consistent offensive contributions behind the top line of C Sidney Crosby, LW Jake Guentzel and RW Bryan Rust.

Kuznetsov’s return to the lineup is the biggest boon for the Caps and makes this roster much different than the one that dropped three-straight games.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the puck line with the Capitals’ money line being a safer and more profitable endeavor. We’ll need to see a few games from Washington’s healthy lineup before looking for multi-goal wins and we just can’t trust Pittsburgh’s goaltending to keep a 2-goal lead late in games.

The Capitals are just 25th in the NHL in 5-on-5 Corsi For percentage, while the Penguins are fifth, but Washington’s rate is dragged down by the recent three-game losing skid.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 6.5 (-105) with Washington likely to look a little sloppy in the early going after an extended break and Jarry stuck in the middle of another poor stretch. Both teams are bottom five in goals allowed per game.

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Washington Capitals at New York Rangers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Washington Capitals at New York Rangers NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (6-1-3) travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Rangers (3-4-2). Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Rangers NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Capitals at Rangers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Rangers -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-300) | Rangers -1.5 (+240)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Capitals at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Vitek Vanecek (5-1-2, .913 SV%, 2.94 GAA) vs. Igor Shesterkin (2-2-1, .906 SV%, 2.41 GAA)

Vanecek is coming off the first regulation loss of his career. The rookie netminder — the NHL Rookie of the Month for January — allowed 4 even-strength goals in the Caps’ 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins Monday.

Shesterkin owns a robust 941 SV% over his last two games. The sophomore Russian netminder is fronted by a Rangers defense that has allowed just 27.1 shots per game. Shesterkin has a solid .857 SV% against high-danger shots, but he has been undone by a few shots from distance. He’s a solid play candidate for the next few weeks.

Capitals at Rangers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Rangers 4, Capitals 2

Money line (ML)

The Capitals are on the road after playing six straight at home. The home team is 4-1 in the last five games in this series.

Washington is without C Evgeny Kuznetsov (COVID-19 protocols) and C Lars Eller (upper body). The Caps are an expected-goals fade to begin with. BACK THE RANGERS (-110).

Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the expensive goal-and-a-half props.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAG THE OVER 6 (-105) as having a slight lean.

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Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Boston Bruins (5-1-1) are visiting the Washington Capitals (5-0-3) for a two-game set beginning Saturday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Capital One Arena. Below, we analyze the Bruins-Capitals NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Bruins at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bruins -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Capitals +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread/ATS: Bruins -1.5 (+180) | Capitals +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Bruins at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask (3-1-0, .905 SV%, 2.13 GAA) vs. Vitek Vanecek (4-0-2, .915 SV%, 2.75 GAA)

Rask has faced a total of just 95 shots through four starts, resulting in his strong goals against average but unimpressive save percentage. He faced a season-high 30 shots against the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday and made 28 stops for his second-straight win.

Vanecek remains the interim starter in Washington with Ilya Samsonov still in the league’s COVID-19 protocols. The 25-year-old rookie has faced at least 30 shots in all but one of his six starts, and he has gotten the Capitals at least a point in each one.

Bruins at Capitals: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Bruins 4, Capitals 2

Money line (ML)

The BRUINS (-150) are the play with RW David Pastrnak (hip) expected to return to the lineup; he’ll boost a Bruins offense with just 12 even-strength goals through seven games. Meanwhile, the Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin and D Dmitry Orlov will return from COVID protocols, but C Evgeny Kuznetsov and are Samsonov out. C Lars Eller (upper body) and D Justin Schultz (face) are also questionable.

The Bruins, minus Pastrnak, have been dominating puck possession with a Corsi For rating of 54.10% at 5-on-5 ranking fourth in the NHL. Boston is also recording 53.81% of scoring chances at full strength. Washington is sub-50% and in the bottom half of the league in both categories.

Finally, the veteran Rask gets the edge over Vanecek. The rookie has been impressive in helping Washington stay in the win column with Samsonov on the sidelines, but he’ll be outmatched Saturday.

Against the spread (ATS)

Take the BRUINS -1.5 (+180) for added value with a $10 bet fetching a profit of $17 if Boston wins by at least 2 goals. The Caps haven’t lost in regulation, but Pastrnak’s return adds too much firepower to a Bruins attack already doing all the right things in terms of generating pressure and controlling the pace of play.

Over/Under (O/U)

Lean to the OVER 5.5 (-120) in expectation of Pastrnak getting on the board right away and Vanecek finally showing some cracks in one of his toughest tests thus far.

Rask hasn’t been quite as sharp as usual, and he’s likely to face a higher shot count against a Capitals team with 3 or more goals in all but one game.

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