When you are looking for games to wager in the NHL, it’s natural to jump on the ones that feature a top team against one of the lesser lights of the league. While it may seem like easy money, the reality is that there really is no such thing as a slam dunk pick.
Every team in the league plays 82 games over the course of the season and it is absolutely impossible to maintain a high level of play every single night. Take a look at the scores on any given night in the NHL and you will be sure to find at least one surprise, if not more.
Every team in the league goes through up and downs during the season, and they all have off nights, so never assume that the best teams in the league are always going to sweep aside lesser talented teams. That is something to keep in mind when looking at this game.
The Washington Capitals are the best team in the league, but they did lose to the Nashville Predators in their earlier meeting this season. The Caps are favored by 1 ½ on home ice, with the point total set at 6 ½.
Predators vs Capitals 2020 NHL Odds, Preview & Pick
- When: Wednesday, January 29 at 7:30 PM EST
- Where: Moda Center, Portland
- TV: NBCSN
- Radio: Nashville / Washington
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Odds: Capitals -1.5
Why bet on the Nashville Predators?
You look at the Nashville Predators record and see a team sitting above .500, which would lead you to believe that they might be in a decent position for the playoffs. That is not the case, though, as their 22-19-7 record and 51 points has them sitting dead last in the Central Division. While they are just 3 points back of 4th place in the Central, they are 6 points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
They did beat Washington 6-5 when they met earlier this season, although that victory came on home ice. On the bright side, Nashville does have a winning record on the road at 11-9-3, plus they are a very healthy 8-2-0 in their last 10 meetings with the Capitals.
Team Statistics
Offense- Goals: 3.29
- Shots: 33.94
- PP/PK Percentage: 16.77
- Goals: 3.31
- Shots: 29.71
- PP/PK Percentage: 25.83
Why bet on the Washington Capitals?
No team relished the idea of facing the team with the best record in the NHL, but the Washington Capitals are making that prospect even tougher, winning 4 in a row and 7 of their last 10 games. That positive run has taken the, to 34-11-5 on the season, with their 73 points good enough to have them at the top of the Metropolitan Division, 6 points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Capitals have remained consistent all season long and have been particularly tough to take down in their own building, where they are 15-5-4. While that is a great record, the wins have not always been big. They are 9-15 ATS on home ice.
Team Statistics
Offense- Goals: 3.62
- Shots: 32.16
- PP/PK Percentage: 19.88
- Goals: 2.92
- Shots: 29.88
- PP/PK Percentage: 15.52
NHL Betting Trends for Predators vs Capitals
- Predators are 4-8 SU in the last 12 games
- The total went OVER in 9 of Nashville’s last 12 games on the road
- Capitals are 4-1 SU in the last 5 games
- The total went OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 5 games against Nashville
Predators vs Capitals Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
While I certainly think that this is a game that the Capitals will win, I believe that it’s the OVER that is the way to go with this one. 8 of the last 9 meetings between these two have ended with the OVER hitting, so let’s go that route again.
Nashville Predators 3 Washington Capitals 5
