Ottawa Senators @ Washington Capitals

This is a matchup in the Eastern Conference, with both teams with valid arguments to attend the playoffs. However, and despite the good records, there is a little trend where one of this team is with a negative record. Yes, Senators are not as good as they are at home.

Senators are making a good season so far, but I think that after losing Spezza and Alfredsson they will pass a letdown spot. This isn't already easy to seen because they were playing 5 games at home in a row. They got 2 of their best offensive players out, and their offense will struggle soon. Despite they scored 7 goals at home against Flyers, they lost the last game at home against Bruins, scoring only one goal.

On the road, they score 2.24 goals per game, and this is an average that should get lower in the next games. Their defense is their weak point on road, with 3.53 goals allowed per game.

Capitals have named Ovechkin their captain. After a streak with 3 losses, this nomination had a great impact, making the team return to wins. This is one of the strongest contenders to Stanley cup, and when they start their engines, no one can stop them. After suffering many losses by injuries, something that is happening often this season, the team got almost all players ok to this game. When they got all their key players ok, they usually gives a great show, and input big losses to opponents. This is seem particularly at home, where Capitals score 3.79 goals per game, only allowing 2.74 goals per game.

So, today we can expect Capitals in full force and Senators trying to compensate some important injuries. Against power offensive teams, particularly on road, Senators can't hold the game, allowing many goals. And when Capitals get enthusiastic, they usually score a lot.

Pick: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +155 (2.55) Bookmaker