Washington Capitals vs. Anaheim Ducks Prediction, Preview, and Odds

The Washington Capitals face the Anaheim Ducks with both teams looking to improve on rocky seasons. The Capitals have a 29-27-6 record and with only three wins in their last 10 games have fallen into sixth place in the Metropolitan Division. The Ducks have a 20-34-7 record and are in last place in the Pacific Division. Both teams look to improve in their divisions and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.

Capitals hope offense can continue to play well

The Capitals are having a promising season with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.02 goals per game with 10 goals in the last two games. Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Dylan Strome have scored 57 goals and 90 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has also stepped up. Conor Sheary, T.J. Oshie, and Sonny Milano have combined for 37 goals and 46 assists while defensemen Nick Jensen and Trevor van Riemsdyk have added eight goals and 33 assists from the point to help open up the offense.

The offense has been great but the defense has also stepped up, allowing only 2.98 goals per game. Jensen and van Riemsdyk have combined for 6.6 defensive point shares and 147 blocked shots while Martin Fehervary and Matt Irwin have combined for 2.7 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been great with a .909 save percentage and a 2.79 goals-against average on 1180 shots with 4.7 goals saved above average.

Ducks defense has let them down

The Ducks are having a season to forget with their offense struggling and scoring only 2.51 goals per game. Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras have scored 35 goals and 61 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only five active skaters have 10 goals or more and opponents can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.

The offense has struggled but the defense has let the Ducks down, allowing 4.08 goals per game. Cam Fowler and Dmitry Kulikov have combined for 4.2 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender John Gibson has struggled with a .902 save percentage and a 3.96 goals-against average on 1546 shots with -5.6 goals saved above average.

Best Bets for this Game

Full-Game Side Bet

Insiders Status:

Rating:

The Ducks are looking to extend their recent winning streak and can easily win this game on their home ice. The problem is that the Capitals are looking to make a push for the playoffs and control this game from the first period. The Capitals, who average 3.02 goals per game, should pile on the goals with Alexander Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with quick puck movement. The Capitals, who allow only 2.98 goals per game, should limit the Ducks' offense, which averages only 2.51 goals per game, with Nick Jensen, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Darcy Kuemper to make plenty of big saves. The Capitals should win the game with a strong performance on the road.

Take the Capitals money line as road Favorites.

Prediction: Capitals (-170)

Full-Game Total Pick

Insiders Status:

Rating:

The Capitals have been playing great offense recently and both forward units look to step up and find the back of the net throughout the game. The Ducks should create plenty of scoring chances with Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes near the net. The Capitals, who have scored 10 goals in their last two games should run up the score against a Ducks defense that allows 4.08 goals per game, with Alexander Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the rush and creating open shots with effective puck movement while Neck Jensen generates shots on the net from the blue line. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both offenses stepping up.

Take the Over on 6.5 goals.

Prediction: Over 6.5

Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.