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Utah vs. Washington: NHL Match Prediction
Utah and Washington will play each other for the first time in history on November 19. The Capitals are one of the leaders not only in the Eastern Conference, but also in the entire league. Alexander Ovechkin team continues to be in excellent shape and plans to reach the top spot in the very near future. It will be very difficult for the newcomers to reach the playoffs this season, but they are trying to keep up with the top eight. Who will score points in this clash? Read our forecast
Command Analysis
Utah Hockey Club
USACurrent form
Utah is in 11th place in the West and is gradually falling behind the top eight teams in the conference. Andre Tourigny men have only 17 points in 17 starts and are three points behind Edmonton, who occupy the last slot. The rookies haven't looked that good in November. They have won only two of six games and had a poor last road series. The debutants lost in Nevada (3:4, OT), Winnipeg (0:3) and Nashville (0:4), but took points from Missouri (4:2). After returning home, Clayton Keller team sensationally crushed Carolina (4:1), putting in a very strong third period. In the previous meeting, they were leading 2:0 at the equator of the match against Vegas (2:4), but relaxed and conceded four unanswered goals.
Karel Vejmelka became the starting goalie for the Salt Lake club amidst Connor Ingram less than confident performances. The Czech goalie has saved 92.09% of the shots he faces and has already started six games. Overall, Utah hasn't been playing too badly on defense and has allowed 14 goals in its last five games.
The captain of the hosts is the leading scorer of his team. Clayton Keller has 15 points (6+9) in the goal+pass system, but Dylan Gunter (7+7) is hot on his heels. In general, the newcomers are playing rather poorly in defense and have not distinguished themselves very much so far.
Disqualifications and injuries
Sean Durzi and John Marino will not be able to take part in the upcoming fight.
Interesting trends for betting
- Utah is averaging 2.76 goals per game this fall.
Rookies don't always play badly on offense, but their numbers only get worse over time.
- The Salt Lake club averages 26 shots per game
The debutants don't have many shots on goal, but they managed to convert 10.5% of their chances.
Washington Capitals
USACurrent form
Washington is among the conference leaders and continues to fight for leadership in the East. The team from the US capital has earned 25 points in 17 games and is one of the best teams in the NHL at the moment. In November, Alexander Ovechkin team suffered three defeats, with a special mention to the misfire in the derby against Pittsburgh (2:4). After that, the Capitals also lost to Toronto (3:4, OT) at home, but confidently won away against St. Louis (8:1), Colorado (5:2) and Vegas (5:2). In the confrontation with the Knights, the guests once again demonstrated excellent implementation of their moments, and the club captain scored his first hat-trick this season and was recognized as the main star of the game day.
The Caps have one of the strongest offenses today, even with Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie still sidelined. They have scored 23 goals in just their last five games, and Alexander Ovechkin continues to chase Wayne Gretzky record. The Russian has moved into 14th place in the scoring race with 23 points (13+10). On top of that, Ovi is already tied for first place in goals scored with Florida forward Sam Reinhart.
Only three teams in the East have allowed fewer goals than Washington. Spencer Carbery has solidified his defensive play, and veterans Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren have been a constant source of support for their teammates. Between them, the goalies have stopped 90.1 percent of shots.
Disqualifications and injuries
Nicklas Backstrom, Sonny Milano and T.J. Oshie will not be in Salt Lake on Tuesday.
Interesting trends for betting
- Washington is allowing 2.82 goals per game this season.
The visitors have been playing well defensively this season and rarely concede large numbers of goals.
- The Caps are allowing 28 shots on goal per game.
Alexander Ovechkin team plays quite well on their half of the ice and does not allow opponents to bother their goalies often.
Trends
Bet 1st period: total over 1.5 goals
Washington has had at least two first-period goals in eight straight games
1.70Bet 2nd period: Washington will score
Washington has scored in the second period for six games in a row.
1.42Tip and bets
Washington plays great in attack and in the current away series beat strong teams from Denver and Nevada. Alexander Ovechkin has gained excellent form and continues to stamp out goals and approach Wayne Gretzky record. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that the Capitals play only for the captain. Even without Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, the Capitals show team hockey and regularly achieve the necessary results. After a bright start, Utah looks rather dull and often scores quite a few. We do not think that the hosts will be able to give a real fight to such a strong opponent.
Our prediction is Washington victory with an Asian handicap (0) for 1.83
Bet on total
Washington is scoring 4.24 goals per game and continues to be a great offensive team. The Capitals have scored 23 goals in their last five games and it unlikely they won't be able to score at least three against Utah. The rookies took a dip in defense in November, replacing Connor Ingram with Karel Vejmelka at the back. We don't think that will help them.
Forecast - Washington individual total is more than three goals for 1.93
Bet on total
We think that both teams will not sit back in defense and will try to quickly take the lead. Most likely, Washington will lead the score and force the hosts to open up. Utah will have to attack and get involved in the game on opposite courses. We suggest playing a bet on the total over goals. The first meeting in the history of confrontations between the teams should not be boring.
Forecast - total over 5.5 goals for 1.65
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