St. Louis Blues vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 3/17/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: St. Louis Blues vs Washington Capitals

Date: Friday, March 17, 2023

Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

TV: NBC Sports Washington

The St. Louis Blues (29-33-5) are on their way to Capital One Arena on Friday where they will take on the Washington Capitals (33-29-7).

The St. Louis Blues will look for better times on the ice after their 8-5 defeat to the Wild in their previous game. St. Louis earned 23 minutes in the box in this contest. Moreover, they had 5 power play opportunities and were able to notch 3 goals. The Blues had a impressive offensive performance in the loss. For the game, they converted 5 out of the 36 shots they tried.

St. Louis Blues opponents have totaled 168 power play opportunities (31st in hockey) and have a total of 40 goals in those attempts. The Blues have seen 2,175 shots tried against them and have earned a save percentage of .886. St. Louis has tried 1,943 shots and holds a shot percentage of 10.7%. When at even strength, the Blues let the opposition score 209 goals while earning 165 on the offensive side of the ice. St. Louis comes into the game with 200 power play opportunities and they have tallied 42 goals out of those chances, giving them a rate of 21.00%. For the season, they have scored 63 points and their points percentage is sitting at .470. In reference to their scoring capabilities, the St. Louis Blues have earned 207 goals (21st in the league) this season and have surrendered 249.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Jordan Binnington. Opponents have racked up 575 goals versus Binnington in his pro hockey career and his goals against rate is 2.78. Binnington has participated in 214 games over the course of his NHL career. His save percentage is at .906 for his 12,421 mins on the ice. He has earned a record of 112-70-25 and he started in 210 games. Over the course of his pro career, Binnington has 108 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .514. Binnington has had 6,141 shots taken against him and has recorded 5,566 saves.

In their last contest, Washington played the Sabres in a matchup where the Capitals got the tie by a tally of 4-4. They had 3 power play attempts in this game and recorded 2 out of those opportunities. The Capitals notched 4 goals of the 39 shots on goal they were seeking.

Washington has attempted 2,162 shots (14th in pro hockey) and has earned a shot percentage of 9.90%, while allowing their opponents 2,095 shots. They have a penalty kill rate of 82.72% on their opponents 191 tries on the power play, and their save percentage sits at 90.2%. They have recorded 212 chances on the power play and they have a power play rate of 20.75%. The Capitals have scored 170 goals at even strength and 44 goals (18th in hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have granted a total of 206 goals to be scored by of a combination of 173 goals at even strength and 33 goals while they were shorthanded. This season, the Washington Capitals are sitting with 214 goals, 73 points, in addition to a points percentage of .529.

Across the ice you will find Darcy Kuemper defending the goal. He has accounted for 9,041 saves out of the 9,861 shots attempted against him, giving him a save percentage of .917. Kuemper has amassed a career record of 163-116-41 and has been in net for 346 contests. He was named a starter in 329 games and has played 19,525 mins. Kuemper's quality start percentage comes out to 55.9% and he has qualified for 184 quality starting assignments in his professional career. Teams are averaging 2.52 goals per game and he has yielded 820 goals altogether.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take St. Louis

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