Barring any alarm clock-related issues, the Washington Capitals will have superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin back in the fold Thursday when they welcome the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks to town. Ovechkin was late for practice in the morning of Tuesday's game due to sleeping in and was forced to sit out as a result.
- Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin have scored five of Chicago's nine goals so far.
- Dating back to last season, the UNDER is 8-2-1 in Washington's last 11 games.
- Injured Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom is not expected to be in the lineup.
Washington (1-1-0) is playing its third straight home game and is probable to send starter Brayden Holtby to the crease. The Caps have had the edge in the series when the games are played in D.C., taking four out of their last five against the ‘Hawks at home. Holtby is 3-1-0 in his career with a .914 save percentage vs Chicago.
Chicago is expected to give starting netminder Corey Crawford a break by starting backup Scott Darling between the pipes. The 26-year-old Darling made his season debut on Saturday and stopped 28 out of 29 shots sent his way in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders.
Odds Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 2.9-2.3 win for the Blackhawks on Thursday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
1-1-0 Washington battles the Blackhawks, currently with a 2-2-0 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 1-1 for the Capitals and 0-3-1 for the Blackhawks. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Chicago injuries news.
This game puts the Washington Capitals, most recently No. 1 in the Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings, up against the Chicago Blackhawks, who rate a No. 17 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Washington Capitals No. 16-ranked offense (2.5 goals per game) against a Chicago Blackhawks defense that ranks No. 9 at 2.25 goals per game allowed. The Capitals Sportsbook has clicked at a 40% rate while the Blackhawks have a 90% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Chicago, they were a 3-0 loser as they battled the Flyers on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Flyers at +135 were rewarded, while the 3 combined goals moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.
In their last action, Washington was a 5-0 loser at home against the Sharks. Bettors on San Jose at -112 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well.
- Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games
- Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
- Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 11 games
- Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago home to Columbus, Saturday, October 17th
Washington home to Carolina, Saturday, October 17th
