The Washington Capitals (33-29-7) play host to the St. Louis Blues (29-33-5) at Capital One Arena on Friday. St. Louis is coming off a high-scoring 8-5 loss against the Wild on Wednesday. The Blues committed six penalties in the game, conceding two power play goals.
Pavel Buchnevich led the Blues with a hat trick in regulation. Jordan Binnington only had 19 saves on 24 shots against (.791%) after starting in the loss. Washington beat the Sabres 5-4 (SO) on Wednesday. Four players found the net for the Capitals. Charlie Lindgren stopped only 23 of 27 shots (.851%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Blues won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 5-4 (SO) victory in November, their third straight win against Washington. Vladimir Tarasenko led St. Louis with two points (0G 2A). Alex Ovechkin led Washington with three points (1G 2A). Thomas Greiss got the win, saving 47 of 51 shots (.921%).
FACING OFF
St. Louis is averaging 3.09 goals per game for the season, 20th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Capitals team that is allowing 2.99 goals a game (13th). Meanwhile, Washington has found the net 3.10 times a game on average, 19th in the league, and the Blues are allowing opponents to score 3.72 goals per game (28th).
The Blues’ 21.00% power play percentage ranks 18th in the league, while the Capitals are 20th with a conversion rate of 20.75%. When it comes to defending power plays, Washington has the league’s sixth-ranked PK% at 82.72%, while St. Louis is 22nd at 76.19%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Jordan Kyrou (64 points), Buchnevich (61), and Robert Thomas (60) have been the top skaters this season for the Blues. Thomas has been another top performer for St. Louis, scoring 16 and assisting 44. In the net, Binnington (22-24-5) is St. Louis’ top goaltender.
He has a 3.39 GAA and a .892% save percentage. Ovechkin leads the Capitals in scoring with 64 points. He has 37 goals (10th) and 27 assists. Darcy Kuemper (20-21-5) has the best goals against average for Washington at 2.75. He has a save percentage of .911%.
HOME AND AWAY
St. Louis is 15-17-1 away from home this season. Washington is 16-13-4 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Washington Capitals (-185)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
