LiontipsColumbus vs. Washington. NHL Match Prediction and Bets
Command Analysis
Current form
Columbus was still able to successfully complete a long away series of five games. The team played away to the clear favorite Winnipeg and was able to take advantage of its terrible form, defeating the Jets with a score of 4:1. Forward Johnson showed his best side, scoring twice. Goaltender Merzlikin also confidently coped with his task, reflecting 96% of the shots. However, before this, the team could not boast of such a reliable game in defense, as evidenced by the crushing defeats to Edmonton (3:6) and Vancouver (2:5). In the match with Calgary, Evanson charges were not able to score a single puck at all, losing dry (0:3). What is especially noteworthy is that in three periods they managed to make only 16 shots on the opponent goal, which, of course, was not enough.
Returning to their home arena, the Blue Jackets were unable to make up for the points they lost on the road and again lost by more than one goal to Philadelphia with a final score of 3:5. This time, Merzlikin showed his worst side and only reflected 79% of the shots. The first line attack line tried its best to correct the situation and together managed to earn six points, but this did not compensate for the lapses in defense. At the moment, the club continues to be in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings, having 27 points.
Disqualifications and injuries
Columbus has some problems with its roster. The club currently has three players in the infirmary: Gudbranson, Chinakhov and Jenner.
Interesting trends for betting
- On average, Columbus allows 3.55 goals per game.
The Blue Jackets continue to have serious problems on defense.
- On average, the Blazers receive 9.5 penalty minutes per match.
The team also cannot boast of good discipline and very often breaks the rules.
Current form
Washington continues to be in great shape and beats almost all opponents on its way. At the moment, the team is playing an away series, which it started away from home against a serious opponent, Toronto, and left them no chance, winning confidently with a score of 3:1. The most productive was forward Daud, who scored a goal and also gave an assist. It is worth praising the efforts of goalkeeper Lindgren, who did not allow the opponent to realize his attacking potential. Then the Capitals met with Montreal and this time they played even better, and in particular, it is worth praising forward Wilson, who scored twice.
Indeed, the Capitals have been consistently earning points for a long time and have hardly lost. The injury of one of the club leaders, Ovechkin, did not have a significant impact on the club results. Thanks to their excellent form, the Capitals continue to remain in first place in the Eastern Conference standings, and have a four-game advantage over their closest competitor.
Disqualifications and injuries
Washington currently has four players in the infirmary: Ovechkin, Bastrom, Milano and T.J. Oshie.
Interesting trends for betting
- On average, Washington scores four goals per game.
The capital club remains one of the most productive in the league.
- The Capitals are allowing an average of 2.74 goals per game.
The team also has a very reliable defensive game, which, combined with high efficiency, produces amazing results.
Trends
Bet First Goal: Washington
Washington has opened the scoring in four straight head-to-head games
1.77Goal in each period bet - yes
In four head-to-head matches in a row, the teams scored a goal in each period
1.45Tip and bets
Although Washington is the favorite in the upcoming match, bookmakers are giving quite a high coefficient for its victory, which is definitely worth taking advantage of. The Capitals show excellent play on the road and consistently beat almost all competitors on their way, and often with a difference of more than one puck. The Blue Jackets, in turn, are not in the best shape and even at home cannot achieve the desired result. So we suggest not to take risks, but to make a confident bet in favor of the guests.
Our prediction is a Washington victory at 2.21
Bet on total
The upcoming match should also see a large number of goals scored. Columbus is not known for its reliable defense, and Washington boasts one of the best scoring records in the league. So there is a great opportunity to bet on the total over.
Forecast - total over six goals for 1.77
Bet on the outcome of the first period
Due to its significant superiority over its opponent, Washington is quite capable of starting to create pressure on Columbus from the first minute of the match, which will allow the visitors to earn an advantage already at the end of the opening period.
Prediction: Washington wins first period at 2.64
