The Columbus Blue Jackets (15-32-3) welcome the Washington Capitals (26-20-6) at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday. Washington is coming off a 5-1 loss against the Maple Leafs on Sunday, their third defeat in a row away from home.
The Capitals took advantage of their power play opportunities, scoring once on four shots, while also conceding a power play goal. Nicklas Backstrom was the only player to find the net for the Capitals. Darcy Kuemper started in the loss and saved only 16 of 20 shots against (.800%).
Columbus fell 3-1 to the Kraken on Saturday. Kent Johnson was the only player to score for the Blue Jackets. Elvis Merzlikins only had 28 saves on 31 shots against (.903%) in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Capitals have won both games between the teams this season, including a 1-0 victory in their most recent meeting on January 8, their third straight win against Columbus. Erik Gustafsson scored Washington’s only goal. Kuemper saved 38 shots to earn the shutout win.
FACING OFF
Washington is averaging 3.10 goals per game for the season, 17th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Blue Jackets team that is allowing 3.86 goals a game (30th).
Meanwhile, Columbus has found the net 2.54 times a game on average, 29th in the league, and the Capitals are allowing opponents to score 2.83 goals per game (10th).Columbus averages fewer shots/game (28.7) than most teams in the league, ranking 29th, while the team’s 8.9% shooting percentage is 29th.
With an average of 31.8 attempts, Washington ranks 16th.The Capitals’ 20.62% power play percentage ranks 18th in the league, while the Blue Jackets are 27th with a conversion rate of 16.79%. In terms of defending power plays, Washington has the league’s ninth-ranked PK% at 81.29%, while Columbus is 20th at 76.73%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 54 points this season, Alex Ovechkin is the top skater for the Capitals. He is among the league leaders with 32 goals (7th) and has added 22 assists. In the net, Kuemper (15-13-4) is Washington’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.54 GAA and a .917% save percentage.
Johnny Gaudreau leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 48 points. He has 13 goals and 35 assists in 50 games. Joonas Korpisalo (8-9-2) has the best goals against average for Columbus at 3.31. He has a save percentage of .907%.
HOME AND AWAY
Washington is 12-12-3 away from home this season. Columbus is 11-15-1 at Nationwide Arena this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Columbus Blue Jackets (+170)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
