Four lead changes and 10 goals. It was that kind of game to start the Stanley Cup final and Game 2 goes tonight in Vegas as the Golden Knights host the Washington Capitals. The Knights took Game 1 by continuously counterattacking the Capitals with odd-man rushes and timely scoring that amounted to six goals, which is the most the Caps have allowed in a single game in the playoffs. Vegas is now 7-1 SU in eight games at T-Mobile Arena in the postseason, outscoring opponents 31-16 in those contests. The Knights opened as -140 favorites to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
SHARK BITES
The Capitals are 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games on the road.
The Capitals are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games after a loss.
Jonathan Marchessault leads Vegas with eight goals in the playoffs.
Washington is used to trailing in the 2018 playoffs after falling behind vs Columbus and Pittsburgh earlier in the postseason. The Capitals should feel encouraged that they beat Marc-Andre Fleury four times and had a flurry of shots in the closing minutes of the third period to try to tie it up. Some questionable calls may have cross-checked the Capitals’ chances in Game 1 but the reality is they got outshot 33-28 and couldn’t convert their only power-play opportunity. With the Game 1 loss, Washington is now 8-3 SU in 11 road playoff games this season.
The Knights continue to defy expansion team skeptics and are now three wins away from winning the Stanley Cup. Dating back to 1996, the team that wins Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final has won it all in 16 of the last 21 years and is 14-7 SU in Game 2s. The “Golden Misfits” continue to get contributions from unheralded players like Tomas Nosek and Ryan Reaves, who combined for three of the Knights’ goals in Game 1 after only scoring two goals total in the entire playoffs. If bettors want to back the Knights, they should take note that Vegas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home and has beaten the Caps three straight times (including puckline) dating back to the regular season.
Goaltending was almost a non-factor for these two teams after both Marc-Andre Fleury and Braden Holtby combined for six shutouts in the postseason. Both goalies posted their worst save percentage of the playoffs and looked shaky to start the game as the first period ended in a 2-2 tie. It would be difficult to envision another scorefest in Game 2 as both teams will try to make adjustments defensively but with the total Sportsbook at 5.5, the OVER may be the best option when you consider that the total has gone OVER in five of the Knights’ last six games at home with an average combined score of 7.17 goals per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to back the visiting Washington Capitals before puckdrop in this match found them as +108 moneyline underdogs at Sportsbook. They saw an Sportsbook total of 5.5, according to Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 2.8-2.5 victory for the Capitals. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
The Vegas Golden Knights are 64-26-8 so far on the season. The Washington Capitals, meanwhile, are 61-32-9. OVER/UNDER betting fans have seen Vegas go 48-46-4 and the Capitals go 54-43-5 on the totals. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Vegas vs Washington injuries news.
This game matches up the No. 20 (Vegas) and the No. 7 (Washington) teams according to our current NHL Power Rankings.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Vegas Golden Knights' No. 6-ranked offense (3.28 goals per game) against a Washington Capitals defense that ranks No. 11 at 2.86 goals per game allowed. The Golden Knights power play has clicked at a 21.26% rate while the Capitals have a 79.15% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last action, Washington was a 6-4 loser on the road against the Golden Knights. Bettors on Vegas at -152 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (10) sent OVER bettors home happy as well.
Betting Trends
Washington is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Washington is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 13-2 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
