NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Bruins vs Capitals (Saturday, March 30)
Rich Gagnon/Getty Images. Pictured: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins after a hat trick
- The Boston Bruins take on the Washington Capitals tonight at Capital One Arena.
- The Bruins are -166 favorites on the moneyline, with a game total over/under of 5.5.
- Find Bruins vs Capitals odds, picks and predictions below.
Bruins vs. Capitals Odds
| Bruins Odds | -166 |
| Capitals Odds | +140 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 -112o / -108u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals on Saturday, March 30 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
The Bruins have been dominant all season. They're in a race for the Presidents' Trophy and lead the Atlantic Division.
However, this recent four-game stretch hasn’t helped the team's cause after losing three out of the four.
Washington has been riding a major high recently – until the Capitals fell to the Maple Leafs, 5-1. The Caps have firmly announced their presence in this playoff race, with a two-point lead over the Red Wings for the final spot.
Let's dive into our Bruins vs. Capitals pick.
For years, the Bruins’ dominance has been well-known. The emergence of David Pastrnak over the last few years is nothing short of remarkable, and he now has consecutive 100-point seasons.
Captain Brad Marchand though, has been quiet as of late and hasn't scored a goal since March 9. Not only him, but Charlie Coyle has two goals since Fe. 26.
During this stretch of inconsistency, Boston’s 5-on-5 play has been fairly mediocre. It’s ranked 19th in expected goals with a 48.75 xGF% and is 15th defensively with a 3.17 xGA/60.
Boston’s special teams have excelled, scoring at a 24% pace on the power play in the last 10 games. The team's penalty kill has been near the top in this stretch, succeeding 84% of the time.
With Linus Ullmark starting in the recent loss to Tampa, I think we’ll see Jeremy Swayman tonight. Swayman has had a really solid season, but his last four starts haven’t been great, posting an .848 SV%.
What an interesting year it’s been for Washington. Alex Ovechkin has had a down year by his standards, but he woke up in the month of March with 10 goals.
Leading scorer Dylan Strome is also producing at a high level with nine points in his last six games, and John Carlson has points in six out of his last seven games. It’s perfect timing for the Capitals’ top guys.
Even though this stretch has proven crucial for the Capitals, their 5-on-5 play has been abysmal. Since March 12, they’ve been 25th best with a 46.05 xGF% and 19th with a 3.21 xGA/60.
What’s really helped is their power play, which has scored at a daunting 33% clip in their last 10 games. The penalty kill hasn’t been great though, succeeding only 70% of the time.
Washington has received exceptional goaltending from Charlie Lindgren, who has won six out of his last eight starts. I think we’ll see Lindgren tonight due to backup Darcy Kuemper’s inconsistencies. Lindgren has posted a .911 SV% and a 10.9 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
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Bruins vs. Capitals
Betting Pick & Prediction
Both of these teams have been a little erratic over the last 10 games or so. So the ability to predict who may come on top tonight is a bit of a head-scratcher.
That’s why I’m targeting the total tonight.
The total is slated at 5.5 goals. I look at both teams in March, and they've both had their fair share of high-scoring games. Especially with how shoddy goaltending has been for both sides.
It’s not a sexy number, but at -112, I am confident that this game could make you money if you bet the over. Play it down to -125.
Pick: Over 5.5 (-112 at DraftKings)
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