In a clash of top teams from their respective conferences, the Washington Capitals head out on the road to face the Winnipeg Jets in a marquee matchup from the Tuesday night NHL card. While both teams have established themselves atop the overall league standings, one team has been particularly hot (continuing their season-long pattern), while the other has been scuffling along the past month or so.
We have a pick from this Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference battle.
That hot team we referenced is the Washington Capitals. They just keep on winning, regardless if it’s a top team, or a bottom-feeder, they’re taking care of business. Ovechkin and crew are currently on a 9-1 heater in their most recent 10 starts. The Jets can’t boast the same type of streak, going 6-4 in their last 10, and 6-6 when you extend that out to their previous 12 starts.
Their most recent loss was Sunday on home ice vs. the lowly Sabres. While they outplayed Buffalo most of the game, it wasn’t an impressive performance overall, particularly in net where backup Eric Comrie struggled. Again, while they carried the play for much of the game, they appeared to lack any urgency throughout, resulting in one of the worst teams in the league dealing them a loss in front of the hometown fans that showed up on a Sunday afternoon. Not good.
Tonight though, it’s back to all-world goalie Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes. We definitely don’t expect a “lackadaisacal” approach when they hit the ice for this one. The exact opposite. They should be ready to go, facing one of the best (according to the standings) teams in the Eastern Conference…and league. We like the matchups upfront, and with home ice, and getting the last change, Winnipeg will get the line matchups they want.
The line is too steep to play on the moneyline, but we’re comfortable backing the Jets to get the win in regulation, laying the half goal and giving a nice plus-money bet on the home team.
Play: We’re on the Winnipeg Jets to win in regulation at -0.5, +111