The Washington Capitals were sitting pretty just six games ago, and now they find themselves on the outside looking in as the regular season winds down.
The Detroit Red Wings are just a mediocre 4-4-2 over their last 10, but it's hard not to feel like they have all the momentum coming into a game with so much on the line. If Washington wins this game, it won't be because of a scoring outburst.
Find out what I mean by that as I give you my NHL picks in my Capitals vs. Red Wings predictions for this very important matchup on Tuesday, April 9.
Capitals vs Red Wings prediction
My best bet
Capitals team total Under 2.5 (+105 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
Things were looking good for the Washington Capitals just six games ago when they took down the Detroit Red Wings in overtime. They were in the East's final Wild Card spot, were just one point back from third in the Metro... and then all hell broke loose.
Since that win, Washington has gone 0-5-1 while being outscored 20-8 — not exactly ideal for a team looking to make it into the postseason. The offense has completely dried up and has shown no signs of life over the last two weeks.
The Caps have scored just 1.33 goals per game in their last six, failing to eclipse three goals in any matchup since the four they hung against Detroit the last time out.
Power-play woes have played a big factor in the offensive drought, as Washington is just 3-for-19 on the man advantage in the mentioned period. While the Capitals' 20.6% power-play rate wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire, the 15.7% produced over this losing streak is a significant dropoff.
Washington's 135 goals at 5-on-5 already put it at 28th in the NHL, so now with the team struggling a man up, the opportunities for offense are fading. Scoring was never their strong suit, but this lull is even worse than anticipated and I don't think the Caps can break out of this slump so easily — especially tonight with so much on the line.
Alex Lyon is set to take the net for the Red Wings, and he's been more than serviceable for his team. His 2.98 GAA and 9.08 SV% are respectable marks, and the 31-year-old has given up two or fewer goals in three of his last four starts. With this game having a playoff feel and the Capitals' offense in the middle of a disappearing act, don't expect to see many tallies for the visitors tonight.
Capitals vs Red Wings same-game parlay
Capitals team total Under 2.5
Red Wings moneyline
Alex Ovechkin Over 3.5 shots on goal
The Capitals might not be capable of scoring three goals, but the Red Wings sure as hell are. Detroit's 3.31 goals per game has it ranked ninth in the NHL, and its offense has been what's kept this team afloat for the season. With Washington unable to keep up, back the Wings to pick up two points.
Speaking of the Red Wings, they may be good offensively but that comes at the cost of bleeding shots on goal. Detroit gives up 32.7 shots per game (28th) and what better man to take advantage of that than Alexander Ovechkin? Ovi leads his team with 263 shots (Tom Wilson is second with 162) and he eclipsed this number when these teams met back on March 26.
This game means everything to the Caps' playoff hopes, so expect their captain to see plenty of ice time as he tries to land his team the victory — and also secure the 18th 30-goal season of his career.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Capitals vs Red Wings odds
Capitals vs Red Wings live odds
Capitals vs Red Wings opening odds
- Puck line: Capitals +1.5 | Red Wings -1.5
- Moneyline: Capitals +128 | Red Wings -145
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Capitals vs Red Wings moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Capitals opened up as +128 underdogs and remain around that number, with the shortest price being +115.
- Detroit, which is hovering around the -150 mark, is 38-39 on the moneyline this year while the Caps are 36-41.
- The total opened at a flat 6 and has stayed there, with the price at a pick'em.
- Washington has a 34-38-5 O/U record while Detroit's mark is 42-34-1 O/U.
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Capitals vs Red Wings trend
The Capitals have hit the first period game total Under in 22 of their last 39 away games (+5.65 Units / 14% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Red Wings.
Capitals vs Red Wings game info
| Location: | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date: | Tuesday, 4-9-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Capitals vs Red Wings latest injuries
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