Capitals vs Sharks Prediction
The Washington Capitals will play the San Jose Sharks on Monday night at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Washington has won five of their last six games, while San Jose has lost three of their last four. Let's have a look at our Capitals vs Sharks Prediction.
Capitals Preview
The Washington Capitals are 10-5-2 this season after they lost to Edmonton by a score of 5-0 in their last game. Washington allowed two goals in the first period and three goals in the second period for the shutout loss. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 35-25 and went 0-5 on the power play in the game. Washington had won their previous five games and is fourth in the Metropolitan standings. Washington is scoring 2.41 goals per game and they are allowing 2.82 goals against per game, while going 6.0% on the power play and 78.8% on the penalty kill. Alex Ovechkin has led Washington with five goals, seven assists, and 65 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Darcy Kuemper, who is 4-3-2 this season with a 3.04 goals against average and a .892 save percentage.
Sharks Preview
The San Jose Sharks are 4-15-2 this year after they defeated the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 4-3 in their last game. San Jose was tied 2-2 going into the third period, but they scored two goals in about a minute and a half for the win. The Sharks were out shot by a total of 33-22 and went 1-1 on the power play in the game. San Jose had lost six of their previous seven games before getting that win. The Sharks are scoring 1.62 goals per game and they are allowing 4.14 goals against per game, while going 19% on the power play and 72% on the penalty kill. Tomas Hertl has led the Sharks this season with four goals, 12 assists, and 47 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for San Jose is Mackenzie Blackwood, who is 2-9-2 this year with a 3.80 goals against average and a .897 save percentage.
San Jose Sharks Team Facts
- The Sharks have lost eight of their last nine games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The road team has covered the puck line in nine of the last 10 games between the Capitals and Sharks.
- The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 1' market has hit in each of the Sharks' last four home games against the Capitals.
- The Sharks have won the first period in each of their last four games against the Capitals.
Washington Capitals Team Facts
- The Capitals have won each of their last five night games.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last five games at SAP Center at San Jose.
- The Capitals have won the first period in seven of their last eight games as favorites following a home loss.
- The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 3' market has hit in each of the Capitals' last eight games as favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
San Jose Sharks Player Prop Facts
- Mike Hoffman has scored at least one goal in each of the Sharks' last four games at SAP Center at San Jose.
- Mike Hoffman has recorded at least one point in each of the Sharks' last four games at SAP Center at San Jose.
- Logan Couture has recorded an assist in four of his last five appearances against the Capitals after playing less than 20 minutes in the Sharks' last game.
- William Eklund has the most Power Play Goals for the Sharks this season (3).
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Sonny Milano has scored a goal in each of his three previous appearances in night games at SAP Center at San Jose.
- Max Pacioretty has recorded at least one point in each of his last eight appearances against the Sharks.
- Max Pacioretty has recorded at least one assist in each of his last eight appearances against the Sharks.
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded two assists against the Sharks this season - equal-most against any opponent.
Matchup/League Facts
- The San Jose Sharks ranks 30th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (72.00%).
- The San Jose Sharks ranks 32nd in the league for shots per game this season (24.5).
- The Washington Capitals ranks 32nd in the league for power play goals this season (3).
- The Washington Capitals ranks T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
Capitals vs Sharks Prediction Breakdown
San Jose has been the worst team in the NHL so far this season, but they were able to get a win over a very good Vancouver team in their last game. Washington has played very solid hockey recently, but they did lose their last game to Edmonton at home. San Jose is only scoring 1.62 goals per game this season and they will face a Washington team that is allowing 2.82 goals against. The Capitals power play is terrible, as they are only 6%, but they will go against a San Jose penalty kill that is only at 72%. I am going to continue to fade San Jose here and take Washington to win by at least two goals.
