The Washington Capitals (33-31-8) will be hoping to end their losing run when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks (24-40-6) at Capital One Arena on Thursday. Chicago is coming off a 5-0 loss against the Avalanche on Monday.
The Blackhawks committed only one penalty in the game, yet still conceded a power play goal. Alex Stalock saved only 27 of 32 shots against (.843%) in the loss.
Washington lost for the third straight game, falling 7-6 (OT) to the Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Nick Jensen was the leading goal scorer for the Capitals, netting twice. Charlie Lindgren only had 32 saves on 39 shots against (.820%) in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Capitals won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 7-3 victory in December. Alex Ovechkin led Washington with four points (3G 1A). Tyler Johnson, Max Domi, and Jonathan Toews were on the scoresheet for Chicago. Lindgren got the win despite saving only 26 of 29 shots (.896%).
FACING OFF
Chicago is averaging 2.47 goals per game for the season, worst in the NHL, and they are taking on a Capitals team that is allowing 3.10 goals a game (15th).
Meanwhile, Washington has found the net 3.12 times a game on average, 18th in the league, and the Blackhawks are allowing opponents to score 3.53 goals per game (25th).
Chicago averages fewer shots (26.7) than any other team in the league, while the team’s 9.4% shooting percentage is 26th. Washington’s average of 31.5 attempts ranks 17th.
The Blackhawks’ 16.50% power play percentage is the fifth-lowest in the league, while the Capitals rank 14th with a conversion rate of 21.27%. When it comes to defending power plays, Washington has the league’s seventh-ranked PK% at 82.65%, while Chicago is 21st at 76.62%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Domi and Patrick Kane have been the top skaters for the Blackhawks this season with 49 and 45 points. In the net, Petr Mrazek (8-19-3) is Chicago’s top goaltender. He has a 3.63 GAA and a .895% save percentage.
Ovechkin leads the Capitals in scoring with 69 points. He has 40 goals (8th) and 29 assists. Darcy Kuemper (20-22-5) has the best goals against average for Washington at 2.77. He has a save percentage of .910%.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 10-22-3 away from home this season. Washington is 16-14-5 at Capital One Arena this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Washington Capitals -1.5 (-115)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our NHL hub page for all your NHL needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
