The Washington Capitals will be looking to extend their winning streak to three straight games when they take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Washington defeated Philadelphia on Sunday to begin the streak.
Here you can find the best picks, news, and stats for this West Division battle at the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia is the favorite at -115. This according to PointsBet Sportsbook, which puts the odds for Washington at -105 as the underdog.
Both defenseman Michal Kempny and left-wing Beck Malenstyn are out for Washington. Right-wing Tom Wilson is suspended until March 20. Philadelphia is missing two of their left-wingers, as both Michael Raffl and Isaac Radcliffe are out.
Vrana Delivers Skate-Off Goal
Jakub Vrana scored 1:30 in overtime to give Washington a 5-4 victory over New Jersey. It was the second goal of the game for Vrana. Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov each had two assists.
Washington is seventh in the NHL in goals per game at 3.28. The power-play has been outstanding at 27.0%, sixth overall in the league. Backstrom is having an outstanding season, leading the team in goals (10), assists (19), and total points (29). With the two goals, Vrana is now tied for the team lead in goals with 10.
The Capitals are allowing 3.12 goals per game, 23rd overall. They are seventh in killing penalties at 82.7%. Ilya Samsonov is really rounding into shape, allowing a single goal in each of his last two appearances.
Flyers Win in Shootout
Philadelphia earned the extra point with a 5-4 victory over Buffalo in a shootout. The Flyers got two assists each from Sean Couturier and Joel Farabee to lead the offense. Brian Elliott came on in relief and earned the victory by stopping 11 of 12 shots.
Philadelphia is averaging 3.26 goals per game, eighth in the league. The power-play has been mediocre, connecting on 18.3% of their opportunities. James van Riemsdyk had a goal in the victory over Buffalo and now leads Philadelphia in goals (11), assists (16), and total points (27). Farabee is second on the team in points with 22.
The Flyers are allowing 3.09 goals per game, 21st. Penalty killing has been just as mediocre, killing off 73.0% of their opportunities, 26th overall. It is perplexing why Carter Hart still remains as the No. 1 goaltender in Philadelphia. He has allowed 11 total goals over his last three games and has given up three or more in four of his last five starts. Elliott has already had to relieve him three times this season.
Trends:
Washington:
- 6-1 in their last seven games.
- 5-1 in their last six on the road.
Philadelphia:
- 1-4 in their last five games against teams with a winning record.
The Flyers seem hell-bent on going with Hart which just does not make sense. Elliott has been the much better goaltender, and it is a bit perplexing why the coaching staff stays with the inconsistent Hart. Elliott may be the starter in this game, but I still do not believe that changes the outcome. Washington is starting to heat back up again, and that is bad news for Philadelphia.
Pick: Take Washington at -105
The Total:
These teams have gone under in four straight games in Philadelphia, but I do not see the under here. Both are coming off nine total goal performances. Philadelphia has gone over six in four of their five games this month, with the four total goals scored on Sunday in the Washington contest being the only exception.
Philadelphia has gone over in four of their last five games and has gone over in five straight games when playing on one day’s rest. Go with Washington to win, 5-2.
Pick: Go over 6.0 goals at -110.