Capitals vs. Bruins prediction: NHL picks, odds, best bets

We have a Capitals vs. Bruins prediction as Boston looks to cap off the greatest regular season in NHL history.

The Bruins beat the Flyers on Sunday night to record its NHL-record 63rd win.

David Pastrnak posted a hat trick in the game to bring his season-long goal total to 60. 

It’s been a remarkable run, yet the Bruins aren’t done yet.

The Bruins have 131 points on the year, one short of the record set by the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens.

So, can the Bruins accomplish that task Tuesday when hosting the Capitals? 

Capitals vs. Bruins odds

Moneyline: Capitals (+228) vs. Bruins (-285)

Spread: Capitals +1.5 (-105) vs. Bruins -1.5 (-115)

Total: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-110)

Capitals vs. Bruins prediction

(7 p.m. ET.)

The Bruins keep winning despite essentially clinching the President’s Trophy and the Atlantic Division title several games ago.

They’ve won 13 of 14, including six straight. 

I thought these regular-season records wouldn’t mean much to the Bruins, and they’d rather focus on getting ready for the playoffs. 

But I was wrong.

Coach Jim Montgomery was quoted by Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, saying: 

“Being able to stay focused and learn how to win when chasing records is the closest thing you can do when you’re having a season like us to prepare for the playoffs.”

This season means a lot to these Bruins.

So, winning is important, even if it makes no difference for playoff seeding or matchups. 

Therefore, this game means a lot to these Bruins. A win and two points here would clinch the all-time single-season points record. 

I’m betting the Bruins achieve that task for four reasons. 

First, this is the last home game for the Bruins this year, as they play in Montreal for the regular-season finale. I’m sure the Bruins want to break the record on their home ice.

Second, this is a small revenge spot for Boston, as the Capitals beat the Bruins 2-1 at TD Garden two months ago.

The B’s want to avenge that loss and smash the Caps on Tuesday. 

Third, the Capitals were recently eliminated from postseason contention.

If anybody has no motivation here, it’s the Capitals, who have already shut down T.J. Oshie and started pulling Alex Ovechkin, Anthony Mantha, and Trevor van Riemsdyk from the rotation (all three missed Monday’s game). 

Fourth, and finally, the Capitals are skating on a back-to-back after beating the Islanders in Washington on Monday night.

Betting on the NHL?

So, I’d expect all three players that rested on Monday to be out on Tuesday again. 

The Caps have no motivation, are shorthanded and likely gassed.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are attempting to cement themselves as the best regular-season hockey team in history on their home ice. 

I smell a blowout in Boston on Tuesday, and I’ll bet them to win big at Caesars Sportsbook. 

Capitals vs. Bruins pick

Boston Bruins -1.5 (-115) at Caesars Sportsbook