Capitals Primed for Bounceback vs Canucks

With two emphatic losses in the past week, the Washington Capitals are starting to show some cracks – but they're in good position to get things sorted as they host Vancouver in a Saturday matinee. The Capitals are coming off a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers but have won four straight and eight of their past nine vs. the Canucks.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Capitals kicked this one off as -183 favorites; they're 3-1 SU in four games as home faves of -180 or better this season, outscoring the opposition 19-9 in those contests. The total opened at 6.5 and will likely remain there.

Vancouver Canucks News & Notes

A 6-3 win in Nashville last time out slowed Vancouver's swift descent down the Western Conference standings, but that relief could be short-lived if the Canucks don't figure out how to solve a powerhouse Capitals team that boasts the third-best goal differential in the East entering Friday (+17). Vancouver has been outscored 34-23 in losing seven of its last nine games.

And while it's hard to measure "clutch" when it comes to hockey prowess, Vancouver could use a little more luck in close games. The Canucks are just 3-7 SU in one-goal affairs this season, including losses in each of their previous four extra-time games. Washington has won the last three meetings decided by a goal, most recently a 6-5 shootout decision on Oct. 25.

Washington Capitals News & Notes

Bettors might want to take the Over on the second and third period totals in this one. While the Capitals rank sixth in the NHL in first-period goals with 24, they've been even more prolific in the final 40 minutes, ranking No. 2 in second-period tallies (31) and No. 3 in third-period goals (29). Vancouver ranks eighth in both second- (27) and third-period markers (26).

But no matter what period he's in, Alex Ovechkin remains one of the most dangerous scorers in the league despite being in his 15th NHL season. The 34-year-old has already potted 15 goals through 24 games and will be looking to improve his career fortune against the Canucks, having scored just nine goals in 19 career meetings. His goal prop is always worth a look.

Betting Pick: Capitals -1.5

The Capitals haven't played two bad games in a row since early October, and should be well-positioned to take advantage of a Vancouver team playing three time zones to the right of home.