We won our free pick yesterday when the Dallas Stars beat the Winnipeg Jets 2-0. We had discussed this being a good spot for guard Jake Oettinger to rebound, and that’s exactly what happened. There are only three games in the National Hockey League today, but I still have a betting selection that I like.
My pick of the day is the Kings taking on the Capitals. I don’t like betting on big favorites, but I really like this bet.
So I’m assuming the Kings win, but by 1.5 goals.
When I made this bet, the best odds available were 2.28x the stake.
The Kings are the heavy favorites at home against the Capitals, and for good reason.
The Kings are currently the highest scoring team in the NHL, averaging 4 goals per game, while the Capitals are averaging just 2.33 goals per game, the second-lowest number in the Bettman scene.
There are many other reasons why I think this is a good choice.
The Capitals enter this competition following a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Monday night. The Kings, for their part, are on a five-game winning streak, outscoring their opponents 20-5 during that span. It could be difficult for the Capitals to turn things around as they are just 3-9 in their last 12 road games.
After scoring three or more goals in five straight wins, the Capitals struggled offensively. They have scored just one goal in their last two meetings and were defeated 7-1.
While the Capitals are struggling after a poor offensive performance, the Kings are taking advantage of their opponents’ offensive weaknesses, posting a 6-1 record in their last seven games despite their opponent scoring two or fewer goals in the previous game.
The Kings have only allowed one opponent to score more than one goal during their five-game winning streak and have won all but one of those games by three or more goals. Don’t expect things to get any easier for the Capitals tonight with Cam Talbot confirmed as goaltender. Talbot has had an exceptional season so far, going 10-3-1 and allowing just 2.02 goals against.