As Alex Ovechkin inches closer to Wayne Gretzky's historic record, the Washington Capitals try to put more doubt in the Minnesota Wild's playoff hopes as they desire to bounce back from an overtime loss that left a bitter taste.
NHL
The Washington Capitals wrap up a quick two-game road trip with a matchup against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night at Xcel Energy Center.
My Capitals vs. Wild picks are looking at the Caps to bounce back in the best NHL picks on Thursday, March 27.
My best bet: Capitals moneyline (-156 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The Washington Capitals are coming off an overtime loss in Winnipeg in what was a matchup between the two top teams in the NHL. They now head down to Minnesota to face a Wild team whose playoff spot may suddenly be in question.
Washington won four straight games prior to Tuesday night’s overtime loss in Winnipeg and the Caps are also 8-1-1 in their last 10 contests. They’ve outscored teams 63-44 in 16 games since the 4 Nations break as well with an 11-4-1 record in that span.
Going on the road hasn’t been a problem for the Caps this season with a 23-8-3 record, while the Wild are just 18-16-2 at home. Minnesota has also been a tough go of it lately.
The Minnesota Wild have lost two straight, four of seven, six of 10, and are 6-8-1 in their last 15 games. Things are trending down for a team that has been in steady Wild Card position.
They’ve been battling injuries all year long, and the absences of Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are really taking their toll.
Minnesota has scored just one goal in its last two games against Dallas and Vegas. Things don’t get easier with the Presidents’ Trophy favorites coming to town.
Look for the Capitals to get back on track after a loss, which is something they’ve made a habit of this season.
Capitals moneyline
Alex Ovechkin goal
Under 5.5
The Capitals have had one of the best goaltending tandems in the league this season and they should be able to keep the hapless Wild offense off the board. The Wild have scored two goals or fewer in each of their last six losses.
Alex Ovechkin is chasing down Wayne Gretzky and the Wild have allowed a power-play goal in two straight games. Whether it’s a PPG or potentially an empty-net goal, look for Ovi to add another to his tally.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
The Washington Capitals have hit the Moneyline in 51 of their last 86 games (+11.10 Units / 9% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Wild.
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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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