Washington At San Jose Lines, Expert Pick & TV Info

Posted by Eric Williams on Wednesday,March 8, 2017 2:56, EDT in

NHL News, Betting Tips, Picks & Previews

We are heading into the final few weeks of the NHL season, which means that it’s a good time to start speculating about which teams might legitimately challenge for the Stanley Cup. The team to beat right now appears to be the Washington Capitals, as they are currently in possession of the best record in the league. They have had their issues in the playoffs, but you get the feeling that they are going to be able to break through that this year and go all the way. There are several teams in the West that might serve as worthy foes for the Caps should they make it to the Final, and the San Jose Sharks certainly deserve to be included in that number. It has been a solid season for them so far, and they now occupy sole spot at the top of the Pacific Division. While this may not end up being the two teams in the Stanley Cup Final, it is still an intriguing regular season match-up. Find the latest NHL betting point spreads here.

In Depth Analysis On The Washington Capitals At San Jose Sharks Lines, Expert Pick & TV Info

When: Thursday, March 9 at 10:30 PM EST
Where: SAP Center, San Jose
TV: CSNB and CSNCAL
Radio: FNR and K-FOX
Live Stream: NHL TV
NHL Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals (44-14-7) are in familiar territory, as they are once again tearing through the regular season at a ridiculous rate. Fans in Washington are sure to be cautiously optimistic about their chances, but they will also remember that this team has burned them in the past. The Caps are once again among the best in the league in goals per game, but they are also great on defense, giving up just 2.1 GPG, which is the best in the NHL. They will be looking for some revenge in this one after being blanked 3-0 in their earlier meeting with the Sharks this season. Washington is on a solid 6-3-1 run in their last 10 games, and they also have an excellent 17-8-6 road record this season.

Why bet on the San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks (39-19-7) have built up an impressive 7-point lead at the top of the Pacific Division, and are not looking as though they are in any mood to let that lead slip. They are 6-1-3 in their last 10 games, and the only team in the chasing pack that is starting to apply any real pressure are the Calgary Flames, who have won 7-straight. The Sharks will be looking to take advantage of their home ice advantage in this game, as they are 20-7-4 in their own building. They also have the benefit of having beaten the Caps in each of their last 3 meetings, a run that saw them outscore Washington 13-2.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

As much as the Sharks have dominated the previous 3 meetings, I expect this one to be a much closer affair. I would not be surprised to see these two head into OT in this game, and I am taking the Capitals to squeak out the win.