When it comes to wagering on sports, we all look for mismatches that make it easy to pick winners. The problem there is that when you get a big mismatch, the team that you like to win often comes at odds that are not particularly great. That is when you need to turn your attention to trends that might point you somewhere other than a basic straight up pick. Do the teams involved in a particular matchup have a habit of getting into shootouts when they face one another, or does the lesser of the two teams have a habit of making life tough for the teams at the top? These are some of the things that you will need to consider before wagering on the Capitals/Devils game on Friday night.
The Washington Capitals are out to a flying start this season and are a big favorite against a Devils team that is wallowing down at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. This should be a slam dunk for the Capitals, but New Jersey is coming in a little hot. The Capitals are favored by 1 ½, with the goal total for this one set at 6.
Capitals vs Devils 2019 NHL Odds, Game Info & Prediction
- When: Friday, December 20 at 7 PM EST
- Where: Prudential Center, NJ
- TV: ESPN+
- Radio: SiriusXM
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Odds: Washington Capitals -1.5 (Total 6)
Why bet on the Washington Capitals?
The Washington Capitals are setting themselves up as the team to beat this season, as they currently have the best record in the NHL. They have started the season at 24-6-5, which is good for 53 points and top spot in the East. The Capitals are coming off a loss their last game out, but they are still a very impressive 8-2-0 in their last 10 games.This will be their first game against the Devils this season, but they have somewhat strangely been a little mediocre versus divisional opponents this season, going 3-3-1 in their 7 divisional games. The Capitals are also the top scoring team in the league thus far, having scored 125 goals in their 35 games.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.57
- Shots: 31.37
- PP/PK Percentage: 21.70
Defense
- Goals: 2.86
- Shots: 30.83
- PP/PK Percentage: 14.63
Why bet on the New Jersey Devils?
The New Jersey Devils have been nothing short of brutal to start the season, picking up just 11 wins and 27 points through their first 33 games of the year. They are currently rooted to the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, but they can take some minor solace in knowing that they are not the worst team in the league, with that honor going to the Detroit Red Wings.
Overall, the Devils are 11-17-5 on the year, but they have shown some signs of life of late, coming into this one on a very modest 2-game winning streak. One of the biggest issues for this team has been their ability to score goals, managing just 80 goals in their 33 games. They have the same record as the Capitals in divisional play, going 3-3-1 in 7 games.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 2.42
- Shots: 30.70
- PP/PK Percentage: 14.05
Defense
- Goals: 3.52
- Shots: 30.97
- PP/PK Percentage: 21.43
Capitals vs Devils NHL Betting Trends
- Capitals are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 7 games against an opponent in the East conference
- Devils are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Washington
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey’s last 5 games this season
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Capitals vs Devils
There is always a little concern that the good teams in the league will play down to the level of their competition. That has not been the case with this Capitals this season, though, as they have beaten everyone that comes their way.Score: Washington Capitals 5 – New Jersey Devils 1
