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The Washington Capitals (10-6-0) and New Jersey Devils (13-6-0) will meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. The game will broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Devils are favored at -159 on the moneyline, with the Capitals +134 to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 6.5 (+109o / -129u).
Let's get into our Capitals vs. Devils predictions and NHL picks.
Capitals vs. Devils Prediction
Our Washington vs. New Jersey best bet is on Ryan Leonard to go over his shots on goal total, with the best odds currently available at BetMGM. For all of your NHL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NHL odds page.
Capitals vs Devils Odds
- Capitals vs. Devils puck line: Devils -1.5 (+154 ), Capitals +1.5 (-189)
- Capitals vs. Devils over/under: 6.5 (+109o / -129u)
- Capitals vs. Devils moneyline: Capitals +134, Devils -159
- Capitals vs. Devils best bet:Ryan Leonard Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+175, BetMGM)
Capitals vs. Devils Preview
Ryan Leonard leads the Capitals in shots on goal per 60 (11.16) and shot attempts per 60 (23.64) by fairly considerable margins. However, on a team loaded with offensive depth, he's averaged just over 14 minutes of ice time per game. Leonard has consistently looked like one of Washington's most dynamic forwards, though, and should continue to force head coach Spencer Carbery's hand into awarding the former seventh-overall pick a larger role.
In a game where the Capitals were being entirely dominated by the Senators, Carbery pivoted to a combination of Leonard, Dylan Strome and Jordan Kyrou. Whether that holds or not remains to be seen, but the adjustment did pay dividends, and regardless, it feels as though it's becoming an understanding that Leonard is a top option in trailing game scripts.
On top of that, Carbery continues to split ice time between his two power-play units much more evenly, which is also good news for Leonard, who is the primary shooter on the second unit. The second unit, quarterbacked by rookie sensation Cole Hutson, has generally looked more threatening than the top unit, and the trend of an equal share seems likely to continue.
Leonard has recorded three shots on goal in five of the last seven games, so even if he is not awarded more minutes in the near future, prices in the +170 range still look appealing. The Devils are an elite defensive team, but that is compensated by the +185 price tag.
Best Bet: Ryan Leonard Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+175, BetMGM)
