Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, 12/21/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Date: Thursday, December 21, 2023

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH

TV: Bally Sports Ohio

Odds/Point Spread: Capitals (-115) Blue Jackets (-106)

The Washington Capitals (15-9-4) are hitting the road to Nationwide Arena on Thursday where they will go up against the Columbus Blue Jackets (11-17-5). The moneyline on this contest has Washington at -115 while Columbus is priced at -106. The total is 7.

The Washington Capitals had a decent effort after finishing in a 1-1 tie against the Hurricanes in their previous contest . Washington accounted for 10 penalty minutes in this game. The Capitals had a below average offensive outing in this game. Additionally, they had 2 opportunities with more players on the ice but weren't able to score. In the outing, they finished 1 out of the 21 shots they put on goal.

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Washington Capitals opponents have totaled 92 power play opportunities (27th in hockey) and have a total of 17 goals in those attempts. The Capitals so far have had 864 shots taken against them and have a save percentage of .910. Washington has attempted 770 shots and has a shooting percentage of 8.7%. When playing at even strength, the Capitals have conceded 61 goals while earning 59 when they are on offense. Washington comes into tonight with 82 power play opportunities and they have notched 8 goals during those chances, earning them a percentage of 9.76%. For the current season, they have racked up 34 points and their points percentage is sitting at .607. Pertaining to their goal scoring prowess, the Washington Capitals have notched 67 goals (31st in hockey) over the course of the season and have given up 78.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be Darcy Kuemper. Over the course of his career, Kuemper has 194 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .550. His save percentage is at .915 for his 20,952 minutes between the pipes. Kuemper has had 10,575 shots taken against him and has amassed 9,680 saves. Opponents have been able to score 895 goals against Kuemper in his pro career and his average for goals against per game is 2.56. He has accumulated a mark of 172-127-45 and he has gotten the start in 353 games. Kuemper has been involved in 371 matchups over the course of his professional hockey career.

Their last time out, Columbus went up against the Sabres in a game where the Blue Jackets took home the win by a tally of 9-4. They had 2 power play opportunities in this outing and recorded 1 out of those opportunities. The Blue Jackets converted 9 goals out of the 34 shots on goal they attempted.

So far this year, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 105 goals, 27 points, in addition to a points percentage of .409. They have permitted 120 goals to be scored by of a combination of 105 goals at even strength and 15 goals while they were shorthanded. The Blue Jackets have earned 90 goals at even strength and 15 goals (25th in pro hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have earned 93 opportunities on the power play and they have earned a power play percentage of 16.13%. Columbus has attempted 979 shots (12th in the NHL) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 10.73%, while allowing their opponents 1,134 shots. They have a penalty kill rate of 83.70% on the other teams 92 power play tries, and their save percentage is currently 89.4%.

Across the rink you are likely to see Elvis Merzlikins defending the goal. Merzlikins is sitting with a lifetime record of 62-70-26 and has been in net for 170 games. Merzlikins' quality start percentage comes out to 48.4% and he has made 76 quality starting assignments in his hockey career. He has gathered 4,722 stops out of 5,210 shots tried, which gives him a save % of .906. Opponents are averaging 3.14 goals/game and he has allowed 488 goals overall. He has been a starter 157 games and has played 9,322 minutes.

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

Guy's Pick: Take Columbus (-106)

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