It’s 2017 and the Columbus Blue Jackets are the best team in the NHL. Let that sink in for a minute. The Blue Jackets have won their past 16 games and will go for the record-tying 17th when they visit the Washington Capitals on Thursday. During the Jackets’ absurd winning streak, they have averaged four goals per game while holding opponents to 1.7.
Aside from a league-best defense, Columbus has been rolling thanks to its dominant power play. The Jackets have converted on an NHL-leading 28.3 percent of their power-play chances, which includes scoring 13 power-play goals in the past 11 games. Cam Atkinson has been a revelation on special teams, as the diminutive winger has eight power-play markers on the year.
The Capitals are entering the game hot as well, as Washington has won three straight while killing 18 of 20 penalties in that span. Alex Ovechkin has historically struggled against the Jackets, as the prolific goal scorer has 17 points in 23 games with a -9 rating.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Columbus Blue Jackets were listed as 113 underdogs on the NHL hockey moneyline earlier at Sportsbook. The over under total was set at 5 before betting started earlier on Thursday at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 2.9-2.5 win for the Blue Jackets. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Columbus Blue Jackets will look to vanquish their hosts on Thursday, as they are 27-5-4 this season, while the Capitals are 23-9-5. Columbus is 13-20-3 against the total, while Washington is 15-15-7 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Columbus injuries news.
It's an NHL hockey betting matchup between the No. 6-rated Washington Capitals and the No. 1-ranked Columbus Blue Jackets, according to the latest NHL power poll here at Odds Shark.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Washington's No. 12-ranked offense, averaging 2.84 goals per game, against a Blue Jackets defense that ranks No. 1 at 2.06 goals allowed. The Capitals power play is averaging 17.39% while the Blue Jackets defense kills off 81.73% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Columbus was a 3-1 Sportsbook in its last match at home against the Oilers. They won as favorites, while the total score of 4 made Sportsbooks of UNDER bettors.
Washington was a 6-5 Sportsbook in its last match at home against the Maple Leafs. They won as favorites, while the total score of 11 made Sportsbooks of OVER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Columbus home to New York, Saturday, January 7th
Washington at Ottawa, Saturday, January 7th