NHL Pick: Washington Capitals at Nashville Predators
Overview
The Washington Capitals visit the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville where they take on the Predators. The Predators have not had very much luck versus the Capitals over the past few seasons winning just 2 of the last 9 meetings overall but they have won the last 2 meetings played at home in Nashville.
Head to Head Trends
Home team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Capitals are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
Nashville Predators (-145)
The Nashville Predators are 1st in the Central Division with 62 points which is also tied for 1st place in the entire NHL with the Anaheim Ducks but the Predators have a couple games in hand. The Predators have been playing great consistent hockey all season and amazingly they have not lost more then 1 game in a row all season. The Predators are one of the highest scoring teams in the league averaging 3.1 goals per game but they have an even better defense allowing just 2.2 goals per game. The Predators have been crazy good at home winning 17 of their 20 games so far but you can almost look at that two ways. One way is they’re really good at home but the other way is it’s not realistic to maintain that win percent so they may be due for a few upcoming losses.
Nashville Predators Trends
Predators are 17-3 in their last 20 home games.
Predators are 8-1 in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest.
Washington Capitals (+125)
The Washington Capitals are 3rd in the Metropolitan Division with 56 points just 3 points back of the 1st place New York Islanders. The Capitals just had a very mediocre start to the season winning just 10 of their first 24 games but they have been on fire over the past month and a half. Since December 4th the Capitals are 14-5 with 4 of those losses coming in overtime so they have failed to pick up at least a single point in just 1 of their last 19 games. The Capitals are averaging 2.9 goals per game on offense and allowing just 2.5 goals per game on defense.
Washington Capitals Trends
Capitals are 6-1 in their last 7 overall.
Capitals are 22-8 in their last 30 games playing on 1 days rest.
Conclusion
I like the Nashville Predators over the Capitals in this one. Even though the Capitals are red hot right now and the Predators might be due for a few home losses I’m still going to continue to ride the Preds at home until they actually do start to lose a couple.
Free Pick: Nashville Predators -145