Capitals vs. Blackhawks Odds
| Capitals Odds | -215 |
| Blackhawks Odds | +176 |
| Over/Under | 6 (-110/-110) |
| Time | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN, SN1 |
| Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Washington Capitals head to Chicago to face the Blackhawks on Tuesday desperate to continue a furious push back into postseason contention after a dreadful start to the season. The Capitals have gone 7-2-1 over the last 10 games, and now sit just a single point out of the playoffs as of Monday evening.
Chicago started the season surprisingly well, but has trended into the kind of horrific results most expected entering the season with losses in 11 of its last 12 games.
Can the Capitals claim two crucial points Tuesday on the road?
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have looked like an entirely different side than we saw early on this season, and the 7-2-1 tear appears to be far from lucky when we evaluate the process.
Washington has won six of those contests inside of regulation, with a +11 goal differential over that span.
The Capitals have controlled play to an elite expected goals share of 55.6% percent, and have owned 58.7% of the high danger chances throughout those 10 matchups.
The return of T.J. Oshie has clearly been a massive factor toward the turnaround, as Oshie has long been a quiet contributor among this Capitals core in a number of key areas.
Especially with Connor Brown and Tom Wilson sidelined as well, Oshie's absence was greatly magnified as the team simply possessed no right-handed forwards left to occupy the bumper spot on the man advantage.
Defender Dmitry Orlov has quietly been another underrated key to the Capitals' team success over the last several seasons, and also made his return the lineup from injury Sunday.
The Capitals have defended extremely well as a team of late, which has allowed backup netminder Charlie Lindgren to dominate in the absence of Darcy Kuemper.
Lindgren appears likely to start again Tuesday, and has played to a +0.6 goals saved above expected rating and .910 save % throughout 12 appearances this season.
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago was expected to be heavily involved in the NHL's Connor Bedard sweepstakes, and has put together a very sharp bid thus far with a second-worst record of 7-15-4.
Chicago's -32 goal differential is also the second worst mark in the league, and the Blackhawks' veteran-heavy lineup seems to be accepting its fate of being nowhere near playoff contention of late.
The Blackhawks' 40.66 xGF% over the last month is the second worst mark in the league, and an uptick in control of play does not seem likely considering the talent on hand.
Arvid Soderblom should make the start in goal for Chicago this season, and has actually posted relatively positive results with a +0.1 GSAx and .906 save %.
Capitals vs. Blackhawks Pick
There is meaningful causation toward the Capitals recent turnaround in form, and the recent tear has been as impressive to the eye as it has been analytically.
The Capitals will be desperate to claim two points from one of the league's worst sides in this matchup, and counting on a letdown in form compared to the last handful of contests does not seem very sharp.
This is by no means a take from the perspective that Chicago has quit competing at an NHL level and accepting defeat, but one acknowledging that if Washington plays at the level it has recently it will control significantly more of the play.
Washington is priced at -120 to win this game inside of regulation, which suggests that event is happening 54.5% of the time. Yet, Chicago has lost in regulation in 10 of its last 12 games, and with Washington now playing like a true playoff team again that trend is likely to continue Tuesday.
Pick:Washington Capitals Regulation (3-way) Win -120 (Play to -130)
