NHL Betting Picks, Odds And Preview: Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers

Another historic milestone awaits Alex Ovechkin as he could become the eighth member of the NHL’s 700-goal club when the Washington Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.

Ovechkin poured in 14 goals in his last seven games to put him to just two goals removed from the target. He has 40 goals in total for the season to lead Washington and comes in second to John Carlson in total points with 57.

The Capitals stay at the top of the Metropolitan Division holding a three-win and six-point edge over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Flyers, who are sixth in the same division, remain on target to capture at least a wild card spot with the Carolina Hurricanes, the second-placed team in the conference’s wild-card ladder, only leading them by two wins.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals were dethroned by the Bruins as the best team in the league after the latter passed the erstwhile leaders in total points, 78-77. Washington, however, still leads the NHL in total wins with 36.

Ovechkin’s work ethic is off the charts. After recording the first natural hat-trick of his career in Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Kings, the Washington star captain immediately buckled down to work and trained for three straight days heading to this match against Philly.

Philadelphia Flyers

The NHL spotlight is focused on Ovechkin leading to Saturday’s game, but Philadelphia’s Sean Couturier could not care less as he sets his ultimate focus on helping the Flyers pull the rug from under the Capitals.

Couturier leads Philly in total points with 46 behind 13 goals and 33 assists. It could be said that the 27-year-old badly wants to take down the Capitals judging from the way he speaks of their adversaries. The Flyers could do just so as they slipped past the Capitals in their last meeting on Jan. 8, 3-2.

Odds and Trends

The Capitals are favorites in this clash with -185 match-winner price. The Flyers are obvious underdogs on the road at +165 to win.

The Capitals are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference and 17-5 in their last 22 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

The Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 1-day rest and 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Over is 4-0-1 in Capitals last 5 vs. Eastern Conference and 6-0 in Flyers last 6 games as a road underdog.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Flyers 2