Jets vs. Capitals: NHL Best Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions (Friday)
We have a loaded 11-game slate of hockey on Friday with some great matchups. Here I give out my three best bets for Friday’s NHL slate. And here’s a closer look at Jets vs. Capitals.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
NHL Best Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions: Jets vs. Capitals
Winnipeg Jets (+140) @ Washington Capitals (-165) | O/U 6 (-110/-110)
The Metropolitan Division’s Washington Capitals host the Central Division’s Winnipeg Jets on the final day before the holiday recess. There have been seven or more total goals scored in each of the last three meetings between these two clubs, a trend that is likely to continue on Friday.
Since Winnipeg enters this contest on the second half of a back-to-back, backup goaltender David Rittich is slated to get the start between the pipes. While Rittich has been a more-than-serviceable backup this season, his metrics suggest that regression is looming.
If he qualified, Rittich would rank 22nd among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5. Washington also enters this contest on the second half of a back-to-back, which means its backup goaltender, Charlie Lindgren, will start in the crease.
In a similar situation to Rittich, Lindgren’s solid surface-level stats overshadow his weaker underlying metrics. If he qualified, Lindgren would rank 23rd among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5.
Meanwhile, each team’s metrics suggest that higher-scoring games are ahead. Both teams rank higher in the league standings in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) than GF/60 and lower in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) than GA/60.
With two backup goaltenders primed for regression and two teams that are destined for higher-scoring games in the near future, the total is set too low at six for this contest.
Best of luck!
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