Washington Capitals (36-11-7) vs Utah Hockey Club (23-23-9)
Game Info: Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 12:30 pm (Capital One Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Washington Capitals -220 / Utah Hockey Club +180 — Over/Under: 5.5
In this article, we will formulate a Utah Hockey Club vs Washington Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, February 9th at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Utah Hockey Club Betting Preview
The Utah Hockey Club is 23-23-9 this season after they lost to Carolina by a score of 7-3 in their last game. Utah allowed four goals in the second period, but they did cut the deficit to 5-3 in the third, before allowing two more in the loss. The Hockey Club outshot Carolina by a total of 39-38, won 42% of the face-offs, and went 2-5 on the power play in the game. Utah got goals from Doan and Keller (2), while Vejmelka stopped 31 out of 37 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Hockey Club defeated the Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2 and the Flyers by a score of 3-2. Utah has lost six of their last eight games and they are currently fifth in the Central standings with 55 points. Utah has scored 2.78 goals per game and they have allowed 2.91 goals against per game, while also going 21.3% on the power play and 82.5% on the penalty kill this season. Clayton Keller has led Utah with 20 goals, 39 assists, and 145 shots on goal, while Nick Schmaltz has added 11 goals, 30 assists, and 118 shots on goal. Connor Ingram is 9-7-4 with a 3.16 goals against average and an .885 save percentage this season.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 36-11-7 this year after they defeated Philadelphia by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Washington trailed 3-2 after the second period, but they scored the only two goals in the third for the win. The Capitals were outshot by a total of 22-18, won 42.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Eller, McMichael, Ovechkin, and Chychrun, while Lindgren stopped 19 out of 22 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Capitals defeated the Panthers by a score of 6-3 but did lose to the Jets by a score of 5-4 before that. Washington has won three of their last five games and they are currently first in the Metro standing with 79 points. Washington has scored 3.56 goals per game and they have allowed 2.46 goals against per game, while also going 22.2% on the power play and 83.1% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 15 goals, 37 assists, and 97 shots on goal, while Aliaksei Protas has added 22 goals, 24 assists, and 95 shots on goal. Logan Thompson is 24-2-4 with a 2.18 goals against average and a .923 save percentage this year. The Capitals will meet the Penguins, Oilers, Flames, Blues, and Lightning after this game.
Why the Capitals will beat the Hockey Club
- The Capitals have won four of their last five day games.
- Utah has lost four of its five previous day games.
- Utah has failed to cover the puck line in each of its last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in nine of their last 12 games.
- Utah has lost the third period in each of its last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents when leading after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of Utah’s six previous games as an underdog following a road loss has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Capitals’ last four games as favorites following a road win has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Capitals’ last eight games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The ‘Under 0.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in four of Utah’s last five games against opponents on a winning streak.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last nine games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
- Dylan Strome has recorded at least one assist in each of the Capitals’ last six games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
- Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in each of his last four appearances against Central Division opponents.
Utah Hockey Club Player Prop Facts
- Dylan Guenther has recorded at least one point in each of his last six road appearances after playing less than 20 minutes the previous day.
- Dylan Guenther has recorded at least one assist in five of his last six appearances after playing the previous day.
- Clayton Keller has scored at least one goal in seven of his last nine appearances in day games.
Utah Hockey Club vs Washington Capitals Prediction
Washington comes into this matchup with one of the best records in the NHL so far this season and they will be at home for this game. The Capitals are 17-4-5 at home this year, while the Hockey Club is 14-11-3 on the road. Utah had their two-game winning streak snapped on Saturday against Carolina, so they will be on a back-to-back here. The Hockey Club has really struggled over the last few weeks and their goal-scoring has been very inconsistent. Washington has the rest advantage and they are the way better team. Take the Capitals -1.5 here.