The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets have undoubtedly had the most exciting series in the first round of the NHL playoffs with four of their five meetings so far needing extra time. However, all good things must come to an end – and that might be Monday night with the Capitals looking to win a fourth straight and eliminate the Blue Jackets in Columbus.
As of this writing, the Capitals are an ever-so-slight road favorite – a spot they have flourished in. Washington has won its last six games as road favorites while outscoring opponents 23-13. It stands to reason that the Capitals are faves, as they just keep finding ways to win.
That being said, the Blue Jackets played maybe their best game of the entire series on Saturday – though they didn’t manage to walk away with the win. Columbus outplayed Washington in nearly every aspect of the game in Game 4, though the most apparent discrepancy came in shots as the Blue Jackets put 42 shots on net compared to the Capitals’ 29. However, if the Blue Jackets want to extend their season, they need to get their faltering power play working, with the team going 0-for-12 with the man advantage in the last three.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Columbus Blue Jackets were listed earlier today as -127 moneyline favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark (including Sportsbook), while odds makers set the Sportsbook betting total around 5.5.
OddsShark computer prediction formulas pick a 4.1-2.1 win for the Capitals on Monday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Washington Capitals have seen them go 52-26-9 so far this season, while the Columbus Blue Jackets are at 47-31-9. In totals betting, the Blue Jackets are 44-43, while the Capitals are 49-36-2. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Columbus vs Washington injuries news.
This game puts the Blue Jackets, most recently No. 6 in the OddsShark NHL Power Rankings, up against the Capitals, who rate a No. 7 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Columbus Blue Jackets' No. 16-ranked offense (2.95 goals per game) against a Washington Capitals defense that ranks No. 14 at 2.92 goals per game allowed. The Blue Jackets power play has clicked at a 17.27% rate while the Capitals have a 80.28% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Next Betting Matchups
Washington home to Columbus, Wednesday, April 25