Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Odds, Picks, Predictions: Can Columbus Cover?

The WashingtonCapitals continue to battle for a playoff spot as they visit the last placeColumbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Read on for our best Capitals vs. BlueJackets pick based on topodds.

The new year hasn't been kind to the Capitals.

Following an incredible 11-2-2 runin December, Washington faded in January, going just 5-7 since thecalendar turned to 2023.

Although the Capitalssit in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division, they only have one more pointthan the Pittsburgh Penguins, despite playing in three more games.

Things are even worse for the Blue Jackets, who lead the race to have the best odds to select Western Hockey League phenomConnor Bedard with the first pick in the 2023 draft.

Columbus has a 5-17-1record in its past 23 games but have had better results with JoonasKorpisalo in net; he's scheduled to start Tuesday.

Here is our best Capitalsvs. Blue Jackets NHL pick (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook;pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Capitals vs. Blue Jackets game info

• Date: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN+, BSOH, NBCSWA
• Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

Capitals vs. Blue Jackets odds

Capitals vs. Blue Jackets odds analysis

The FanDuel moneyline opened with the Capitalsat -220, compared to the Blue Jackets at +180. With a nice 69% of the early consensusmoneyline wagers on the Capitals, the price has still moved towards Columbus.

The Capitals are now -215 and BlueJackets are +176 at FanDuel.

The total has remained steady at 6.5. Theopening price was -120 for the Under and -102 for the Over. With 56% of the earlyconsensus action coming in on the Over, the price for the total is now -114 forthe Under and -108 for the Over.

Capitals vs. Blue Jackets pick

Blue Jackets +1.5 (-140) vs. Capitals ⭐⭐⭐

Make no mistake:Columbus is not a good hockey team. However, the Blue Jackets are better thanwhere they sit in the standings.

Goaltending has beena major issue for the Blue Jackets, but Korpisalo has an 8-9-2 record togo with a .907 save percentage. His save percentage and Goals Saved Above Expectedhover around league average – but for the Blue Jackets, that is a massiveimprovement.

As for the Capitals,they have one regulation win in nine games since a 1-0 home victory againstColumbus on Jan. 8.

While Washington is alittle above average in terms of puck possession, the Caps have been undone bypercentages lately – including a .897 save rate in January, which ranks 28th.Starter Darcy Kuemper has a .904 save percentage in January after posting a.920 save percentage in the first three months of the season.

If the Capitals wereplaying like they did in December, I would be inclined to take them on the puckline – but their play has fallen off and it gives Columbus a shot to at leastkeep it close even if it doesn't pull off the upset.

Capitals vs. Blue Jackets best odds

DraftKings, Caesars, PointsBet (-140) 

There is not amassive variance in pricing for the Blue Jackets on the puck line, but gettingan extra three to four percent by making the pick at DraftKings, Caesars, or PointsBetis more favorable.

If you’re feelingfrisky, the Blue Jackets go for +185 on the moneyline at PointsBet, but I’mmore inclined to think that Columbus can keep it close but still ultimately fall short.

Capitals-Blue Jacketspick made 1/31/2023 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)

* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Best Online Sportsbooks | Best Sportsbook Promos (U.S. only)