Not too many people were talking about the Calgary Flames as potential Cup contenders heading into February but after a run the last two months that’s seen them go 16-3-1 and win 12 of their last 13, Glen Gulutzan’s young team is shooting up the NHL futures board. They’ll begin a three-game road trip this evening with a stop in D.C. to take on a Capitals team that’s already broken the century mark with 11 games left to go.
As for the Caps, they’ve cooled down significantly, losing five of their last seven games and two of their last three at the Verizon Center – where they’ve been nearly unbeatable all year. It’s tough to pinpoint exactly what’s been going wrong for Washington but their 2.33 goals scored per game this month is a good place to start.
If they don’t right the ship, the Capitals will post a negative goal differential in the month of March for the first time in a month all season. That’s not the way they’ll want to enter the playoffs so expect them to put up a good fight during their three-game homestand that will begin with tonight's matchup against Calgary.
Washington will end the regular season playing six of its last eight away from the nation’s capital so if you’re looking for value in division futures, you may want to take a look at the Blue Jackets or Penguins to win the Metropolitan.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Washington Capitals as -170 moneyline favorites in this particular NHL betting matchup earlier. The over under total, meanwhile, was set early at 5 before betting started to move the line at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction formulas pick a 4.2-1.2 win for the Flames on Tuesday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Calgary Flames vs Washington Capitals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Capitals sit at 46-17-8 on the season; in comparison, the Calgary Flames are currently 41-27-4. Looking to wager on the totals? Washington is 32-25-14 OU, and Calgary is 30-34-8 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Calgary injuries news.
The NHL Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Washington Capitals rated this week at No. 3 and the Calgary Flames sitting at No. 5.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Washington Capitals No. 3-ranked offense (3.21 goals per game) against a Calgary Flames defense that ranks No. 13 at 2.68 goals per game allowed. The Capitals Sportsbook has clicked at a 21.5% rate while the Flames have a 81.3% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Flames were a 5-2 Sportsbook in their most recent outing at home against the Kings. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Calgary at -106 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for OVER bettors.
Washington won its last outing, a 5-3 result against the Lightning on March 18. Bettors who backed the Capitals at -140 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (8) sent OVER bettors to the payout window.
Next Betting Matchups
Calgary at Nashville, Thursday, March 23rd
Washington home to Columbus, Thursday, March 23rd