Washington Capitals at Calgary Flames odds, picks and predictions
The Washington Capitals (32-25-9) wrap up a 5-game road trip on Monday against the Calgary Flames (33-29-5) at Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Capitals vs. Flames odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Capitals lead 1-0 after 3-2 SO win at home on Oct. 16 as the Under (6) cashed
The Capitals have picked up consecutive 2-1 victories over the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken in the past 2 stops on the trip. Washington has posted a respectable 4-2-0 record in the past 6 games, allowing 1 or no goals in 4 of those games, all victories. The Under is 4-1 in the past 5 contests.
The Flames have recorded back-to-back wins against the Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens, outscoring the opposition 9-3. The Over is on an 8-1-1 run across the past 10 games, while Calgary has posted a 8-4-0 record in the past 12 games dating back to Feb. 19.
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Capitals at Flames odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:13 a.m. ET.
Capitals at Flames projected goalies
Darcy Kuemper (13-13-3, 3.29 GAA, .890 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Dustin Wolf (3-3-1, 3.14 GAA, .900 SV%)
Kuemper was trucked for 7 goals on 37 shots last time out in Edmonton Wednesday night in a 7-2 loss. He had allowed 3 or fewer goals in his 4 starts and 5 appearances in February, so we’ll consider it an anomaly against a high-octane offense.
Wolf is likely to get the starting nod, especially since he won last time out with a 36-save effort against Montreal in a 5-2 win. Jacob Markstrom hasn’t appeared in a game since March 9 due to a lower-body injury, and it’s unclear when he’ll be able to return. Wolf has won consecutive starts, allowing just 3 goals on 67 shots.
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Capitals at Flames picks and predictions
Prediction
Capitals 3, Flames 2
The CAPITALS (+110) are worth playing as short ‘dogs in the road trip finale.
Washington has been playing well, turning back Seattle and Vancouver in the past 2 stops with a pair of 2-1 wins. The Caps have allowed a total of 13 goals in the past 6 games, with 7 of those coming in a blowout loss at Edmonton on Wednesday. The Caps are humming along, while the Flames (-130) are down their top goaltender.
The Capitals +1.5 (-210) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return if you can’t play them straight up, and you require a little insurance instead. That’s too much risk for not enough reward.
PASS, and just play the Caps straight up if you like them.
UNDER 6 (-105) is worth playing lightly, especially close to plus-money.
Again, the Caps have allowed 1 or no goals in 4 of the past 6 games. Kuemper was lit up in Edmonton last time out, but he should be fine against the Flames.
There is concern with Markstrom being sidelined, but Wolf has allowed just 3 goals in his past 2 starts, both wins. Look for goals to be at a premium.
