There have been some high-octane hockey games in Ohio this year, and our NHL betting picks are calling for another barnburner when the Capitals visit the Blue Jackets.
This article contains predictions for an old game!
The Washington Capitals hit the road for the first of a home-and-home set against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday afternoon. Both teams have something to play for with the Presidents’ Trophy still within reach for the Caps, and the Jackets aren’t dead in the Wild Card race just yet.
My Capitals vs. Blue Jackets predictions and NHL picks are expecting a high-scoring game on Saturday, April 12.
My best bet: Over 6.5 (+106 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the most profitable Over teams this season with a 44-32-2 record at +8.75 units. Only the Buffalo Sabres (44-25-7, +15.45) have been more profitable this season. When the Blue Jackets are at home, goals are usually flying into the net. They have a 25-13-1 record to the Over at Nationwide Arena.
The Washington Capitals sit right in the middle of the pack on the season with a 36-35-7 record to the Over. However, things have opened up as of late with the Over hitting in six of their last nine games (with one push).
That’s partially due to Alex Ovechkin chasing down Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record, but it’s also because of an injury to Logan Thompson that has thrust Charlie Lindgren into a starting role. The Caps may also be without a top defenseman in Jacob Chychrun, who is day-to-day with an illness.
The Caps are coming off a 5-4 shootout win over Carolina on Thursday night, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see a similarly high-scoring game in Columbus on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Jackets beat the Senators 5-2 earlier this week before a 3-2 victory over Buffalo.
Over 6.5
Alex Ovechkin anytime goal
Zach Werenski 3+ shots on goal
Ovechkin has only played in one of the meetings against the Blue Jackets this season, but it was a doozy of a game. He had a goal and two assists for three points on three shots on goal a few weeks before breaking his leg back in November. He caught his breath against the Hurricanes, but look for him to get back to firing away against the Jackets.
Zach Werenski made a strong push for the Norris Trophy this season before the Jackets faded in recent weeks. However, he still has 286 shots in 77 games this season for an average of 3.71 per contest. He’s put up six, four, and eight SOG in the last three meetings against Washington.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
The Blue Jackets have hit the Over in 26 of their last 40 games at home (+11.45 Units / 25% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Blue Jackets.
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Ryan Gilbert brings the passion and pain of being a Philadelphia sports fan. After graduating from Monmouth University with a finance degree, he now uses his statistical background to find inefficiencies in betting markets. With past stops at NHL.com, NBC Sports, and currently at Covers, Ryan’s hot picks blend well with the cold ice of a hockey rink.
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