Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 11/2/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024

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

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Capital One Arena is the site where the Washington Capitals (6-2-0) will try to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets (5-3-1) on Saturday.

The Columbus Blue Jackets had a good night with a 2-0 win against the Islanders in the last game they played. Columbus garnered 2 mins in the box in this contest. The Blue Jackets left a lot to be desired in terms of their offense in the victory. Furthermore, they had 1 chance on the power play but weren't able to score. For the game, they earned a goal on 2 out of the 26 shots they put on goal.

Pertaining to their scoring, the Columbus Blue Jackets have notched 35 goals (10th in hockey) over the course of the season and have given up 25. For the current season, they have earned 11 points and their points % is .611. Columbus has 24 power play chances and they have tallied 4 goals during those advantages, earning them a rate of 16.67%. While at even strength, the Blue Jackets have allowed the opponent to score 20 goals while notching 31 themselves. Columbus has attempted 260 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 13.5%. The Blue Jackets so far have had 255 shots attempted against them and hold a save percentage of .902. Columbus Blue Jackets opponents have tallied 27 power play opportunities (25th in professional hockey) and have scored 5 goals in those chances.

The man in goal for this game is Elvis Merzlikins. Over the course of his time in hockey, Merzlikins has earned 87 quality starts and his quality starts rate is .481. His save percentage currently is at .904 in his 10,684 minutes on the ice. Merzlikins has seen 5,925 shots against him and has accrued 5,359 saves. Opponents have notched 566 goals versus Merzlikins in his professional career and his average for goals against per game is 3.18. He has compiled a record of 70-81-30 and was named the starter in 181 games. Merzlikins has taken the ice for 195 games over the course of his hockey career.

When they were on the ice last, Washington faced the Rangers in a game where the Capitals ended up with the victory by a final score of 5-3. The Capitals tallied 5 goals out of the 46 shots on goal they were seeking. They had 4 opportunities on the power play in this contest but didn't score a goal.

Washington has tried 249 shots (29th in professional hockey) and has a shot percentage of 12.45%, while allowing the opposition 201 shots. They have a penalty kill rate of 81.48% on their opponents 27 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently comes in at 88.1%. They have a tally of 27 power play opportunities and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 7.41%. The Capitals have racked up 29 goals at even strength and 2 goals (31st in pro hockey) while on the power play. They have granted a total of 24 goals to be scored by way of 19 goals at even strength and 5 goals while they were shorthanded. On the season, the Washington Capitals have tallied 31 goals, 12 points, in addition to a points percentage of .750.

For the opposition you will find Charlie Lindgren patrolling the crease. Opponents are averaging 2.78 goals per game and he has surrendered 300 goals altogether. Lindgren's quality start rate is 58.5% and he has earned 62 quality starts in his pro career. He has been a starter 106 contests and has been on the ice for 6,469 minutes. Lindgren has amassed a career mark of 55-41-12 and has participated in 114 games. He has tallied 2,968 stops out of 3,268 shots attempted, which gives him a save percentage of .908.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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