Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Thursday, Dec. 21

We have your Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Washington Capitals hit the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Washington Capitals (16-9-4) are set to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (11-17-5) in an intriguing Eastern Conference clash. With both teams eager to secure a win before the holiday break, this matchup promises to showcase a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance.

Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Odds Info

Moneyline: Washington Capitals -120 (PointsBet) / Columbus Blue Jackets -100 (PointsBet)

Puck Line: +1.5 – Washington Capitals +205 (DraftKings) / Columbus Blue Jackets -250 (DraftKings)

Total: 6.0 – +100 (DraftKings) / -120 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Dec. 21

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH

TV: ESPN+

Washington Capitals Betting Trends

• On the road this season, the Washington Capitals have 7 wins and 7 losses.
• As the favorite this season, the Washington Capitals have 8 wins and 2 losses.
• This season, the Washington Capitals have hit 10 overs and 19 unders.

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends

• At home this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 7 wins and 11 losses.
• As the underdog this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 10 wins and 19 losses.
• This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have hit 20 overs and 13 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the last two seasons, the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets have faced off six times, with the Capitals dominating the win column by securing five victories to the Blue Jackets’ single win. These matchups have been evenly split in terms of venue advantage, with both the visiting and home teams claiming three wins each. Despite the Capitals’ success in winning games, the Blue Jackets have consistently outperformed expectations when it comes to the spread, covering it in five out of the six games. The over/under betting has tended to favor high-scoring games, with the total score surpassing the set threshold four times, while staying under on two occasions. The Capitals have shown a strong offensive presence, particularly in the game on January 5, 2023, where they scored six goals against the Blue Jackets. The goaltending performances have varied, with the Capitals’ Darcy Kuemper achieving a shutout in one game, while the Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins has faced challenges, reflected in a save percentage that has fluctuated across the games.

The most recent encounter between the two teams on November 18, 2023, ended with a narrow 4-3 victory for the Washington Capitals. The game was characterized by a strong second period for the Capitals, where they scored three goals to the Blue Jackets’ one, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. Key players for the Capitals included Sonny Milano, Aliaksei Protas, and Hendrix Lapierre, who each contributed significantly to the score sheet. Protas and Lapierre both had a goal and two assists, while Milano added a goal and an assist. The Blue Jackets’ Johnny Gaudreau opened the scoring with a slap shot, but the team ultimately fell short despite a late push in the third period. The Capitals’ Charlie Lindgren was in goal and posted a save percentage of 0.917, while the Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins ended the game with a save percentage of 0.846. The game concluded with the Capitals slightly edging out the Blue Jackets in shots on goal, 26 to 36, and both teams serving an equal number of penalty minutes.

Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Predictions

The Capitals are coming into this game with a two-game winning streak, looking to extend their success on the road. With a solid record in recent outings, they have been relying on their tight-game expertise, as evidenced by their 9-1-4 record in one-goal games. The Capitals’ offense, led by Dylan Strome who tops the team with 13 goals and 19 points, will be a key factor. However, they will be without several key players due to injuries, which could impact their performance against the Blue Jackets.

Columbus, despite their less favorable record, is entering the game on a high after a season-high goal total in their last outing. Kirill Marchenko’s recent hat trick and the consistent play of Zach Werenski, who leads the team with 24 assists and 25 points, could pose a threat to the Capitals’ defense. The Blue Jackets have also been strong against the spread, covering it in five out of their last six games against the Capitals, which could make for a close contest.

Defensively, both teams have had their struggles, with the Capitals allowing 80 goals and the Blue Jackets conceding 120 so far this season. The goaltending matchup will also be crucial, with the Capitals likely turning to Charlie Lindgren, who has a 6-3-2 record, 2.45 GAA, and .925 save percentage. The Blue Jackets’ goaltending situation has been less stable, which could give the Capitals an edge. This game will likely hinge on which team can capitalize on their opportunities and manage to outperform in key player matchups.

Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Pick

The Columbus Blue Jackets present a compelling case for a moneyline bet in their upcoming game against the Washington Capitals. Despite the Capitals’ superior record and recent form, the Blue Jackets have demonstrated resilience against the spread when facing Washington, covering it in five out of their last six encounters. This trend suggests that Columbus has the capability to perform above expectations, particularly in tight matchups. Additionally, the Blue Jackets’ recent offensive explosion, highlighted by Kirill Marchenko’s hat trick, indicates that their scoring capabilities are peaking at the right moment. With the Capitals missing several key players due to injuries, Columbus’ chances are further bolstered, making the moneyline bet on the home team an attractive option.

Moreover, the Capitals’ current goal drought from star player Alex Ovechkin and their overall 30th ranking in the NHL for goals per game could hinder their ability to outscore the Blue Jackets, who have found their scoring touch. While the Capitals have a strong record in one-goal games, the Blue Jackets’ ability to keep games close and their recent high-scoring performances could tip the scales in their favor. Considering the odds, recent trends, and the Blue Jackets’ home-ice advantage, placing a moneyline bet on Columbus is a calculated risk with a potentially rewarding outcome.

The Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets -100. (PointsBet)

Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Washington Capitals

Columbus Blue Jackets