It’s certainly harsh but the Chicago Blackhawks are yesterday’s news. Indeed, the days of glory are over for the franchise that won three Stanley Cups from 2010 through 2015 in the greatest era in the history of this team that began operations in 1926.
A combination of age, injuries, and poor management of the supporting cast has led to unmitigated disaster. For the Washington Capitals there has definitely been the element of a Stanley Cup hangover effect. Washington has not taken care of responsibilities on the back end which was instrumental in their winning the Cup last spring. It’s apparent that new coach Todd Reirden is not getting the full buy-in for the defensive end that predecessor Barry Trotz commanded.
NHL Betting at Bookmaker.eu
Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Date and Time: Sunday, January 20, 2019, 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
NHL Betting Online Odds at Bookmaker.eu: Check Back Later
Capitals vs. Blackhawks TV Coverage: NBC
Odds Analysis
Not that long ago the Blackhawks were far and away the most popular team for hockey betting action on the board but that is no longer the case. It has taken a while but the betting public is finally on to Chicago being through as a bona fide contender. Washington has considerable street cred with gamblers based on last year’s Stanley Cup and the continued excellence of sniper Alex Ovechkin.
Current Form
Chicago remains in free fall with six losses in their last seven games to now stand at 16-23-8-1 with only 17 of their games staying under the total. The Blackhawks are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with the Los Angeles Kings. Only one of the Hawks last seven games went under the total. Chicago has a home record of 8-10-5-1 with just 10 of those games at United Center staying under the total.
Washington has also cooled off with just three wins in their last six games to now stand at 27-14-4-1 while falling behind the first place Columbus Blue Jackets in the Metropolitan Division standings. The Caps have cleared the total in just two of their last seven games. Washington has an away record of 14-7-2 with just 10 of their road games going under the total.
Matchup Metrics
The Capitals remain a solid offensive team that ranks eighth in the NHL for goal scoring but 19th for goals against. On special teams the Caps rank 11th for the power play but 23rd for penalty killing.
Chicago has some mediocre offensive numbers while posting among the worst rankings in the NHL for defense. The Blackhawks rank 16th in the NHL for goal scoring and 20th for power play efficiency. On the back end the Hawks rank 30th for goals against and 31st for penalty killing.
Goaltending Report
With Corey Crawford out indefinitely due to concussion issues the Blackhawks were forced to call up Collin Delia. Delia has responded with a strong .932 save percentage. Backup Cam Ward has been atrocious and is clearly washed up.
Washington top netminder Braden Holtby is at .912 for his save percentage and has posted two shutouts. Backup Phoenix Copley has stopped .906 percent of his shots against.
Players to Watch
Washington left wing Alex Ovechkin is perhaps the greatest goal scorer of all time and remains in top form. Indeed, the Great Eight has 33 goals to go with 19 assists and a plus nine.
For Chicago Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are their top two scorers and serve as reminders to better days of the past.
Free NHL Live Betting Odds Pick
The Blackhawks have suffered a stunning fall that few fans or gamblers expected. Yet the signs of implosion have been there for quite some time. General manager Stan Bowman failed to keep pace with the salary cap and stocking a supporting cast around Toews and Kane.
NHL Live Betting Odds Picks: Washington Capitals
NHL Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Blackhawks 2
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