The Washington Capitals will try to rebound from back-to-back losses when they play in Minnesota tonight. The Caps dropped a tough one in overtime in Winnipeg on Tuesday and are 12-14 SU on the road this season. They could have their hands full vs the Wild, who have won five of their last six games at home.
- The Wild are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games at home vs teams with winning records.
- The Capitals are 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last seven games with one day off between games.
- The Capitals are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games on the road against the Wild.
Minnesota’s lineup has made it back to full strength after dealing with injuries to key forwards like Zach Parise, Charlie Coyle and Nino Niederreiter. As a result, the Wild have been dominant at the Xcel Energy Center lately and are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games.
This recent run has gotten Minnesota back into the crowded Western Conference playoff picture. Another reason for the Wild’s success has been their defensive efforts in their barn as Minnesota is first in the NHL in goals allowed per game at home at 2.07.
But their guard will need to be up vs the Capitals, who have owned this matchup. Washington has won six straight vs the Wild and outscored them 22-14 in those games. If bettors are planning to back Washington, they should stick with the moneyline as the Caps are 2-4 ATS in those games with four of those games decided by one goal.
The total opened at 5.5 and trends are pointing toward an OVER. The total has gone OVER in seven of Washington’s last eight games and the Capitals are averaging 3.75 goals per game in that stretch. Meanwhile, the OVER has hit in six of the Wild’s last nine games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Washington Capitals opened as +118 moneyline underdogs in this one at most online sportsbooks tracked at OddsShark, including Sportsbook. The total opened at 5.5 for those preferring OVER/UNDER betting. Watch for line updates during the day at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 3.5-2 win for the Wild. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Washington Capitals vs Minnesota Wild Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Washington Capitals will look to vanquish their hosts on Thursday, as they are 32-17-7 this season, while the Wild are 31-19-6. Washington is 33-23 against the total, while Minnesota is 29-25-2 vs the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Minnesota vs Washington injuries news.
The Wild sit at No. 4 in the current NHL power poll here at OddsShark, while the Capitals sit at a No. 17 on the same chart.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Minnesota Wild's No. 13-ranked offense (3 goals per game) against a Washington Capitals defense that ranks No. 18 at 2.95 goals per game allowed. The Wild power play has clicked at a 21.43% rate while the Capitals have a 80% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Washington, they were a 4-3 loser as they battled the Jets on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Jets at -141 were rewarded, while the 7 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
In their last action, Minnesota was a 3-2 Sportsbook at home against the Rangers. Bettors on Minnesota at -195 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well.
- Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games
- Washington is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
- Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
- Minnesota is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games at home
- Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Washington at Chicago, Saturday, February 17
Minnesota home to Anaheim, Saturday, February 17
