Hitchcock's prediction: Washington’s shot volume will overwhelm Columbus.
NHL
The Washington Capitals aren’t being taken seriously enough.
As of this writing, Washington is a baffling +1400 (!) to win the Eastern Conference.
I believe the Capitals are underappreciated, and my Capitals vs. Blue Jackets predictions break down why Washington will continue its strong play on the road.
Read more in my NHL picks for Friday, October 24.
Capitals vs Blue Jackets Best bet: Capitals moneyline (-118)
In 2024-25, the Washington Capitals were buoyed by their league-best shooting percentage. This year, the shooting percentage is down, but the shot attempts are up.
Meanwhile, the underlying metrics for the Columbus Blue Jackets are poor at 5-on-5. Their platooning goaltenders have impressive goals saved above expected (GSAx), but the same is true of the Caps’ netminders.
Columbus could be exploited tonight. The Capitals are effective at using set breakout plays to gin up speed through the neutral zone. Washington also loves to utilize the give-and-go on the rush to force one-on-one matchups, with one of their forwards driving to the net.
The Blue Jackets will give opponents the outside while ostensibly protecting the middle of the ice, but they could frequently be hemmed in by Washington, which can create confusion around the goal as an exhausted opponent tries to sort out its defense in the low slot.
Aliaksei Protas has notched a point in six of his eight games this season. No one on the Capitals has more high-danger chances at 5-on-5, and Protas is tied for first among Washington forwards in shot attempts.
In two games against the Blue Jackets last season, Protas posted three goals and one assist.
Last season, Connor McMichael collected a career-high 26 goals, fifth best on the team. This season, he is currently second on the team in shots on goal but somehow remains scoreless.
The goals are coming. McMichael ranks second on the Capitals at 5-on-5 in individual expected goals created (ixG). He attacks the net well and stations himself around the blue paint, hunting for deflections or rebounds.
Tonight, the drought will be snapped.
Washington is 2-0 on the road this season, while Columbus is 1-2 on home ice. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Blue Jackets.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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Sam Hitchcock has written about the NHL since 2014 and turned his focus to hockey betting in 2020. He has written for ESPN, NBC Sports, and TSN, among many other publications. Sam loves identifying trends and strategies, while also combing through the numbers to inform his opinions.
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