Washington Capitals vs. Anaheim Geese December fifth Betting Picks, Predictions

All people’s working for the weekend. 

It is a restricted five-game Friday slate for NHL Picks, however I like the possibility for some fireworks out west within the late window.

NHL Season Stats: 5-17 (-11.07 Models)

Washington Capitals at Anaheim Geese

Over 6.5 (-110 Fanatics)

Anaheim’s goaltending scenario will get shakier by the day. Now they’re down their high two netminders as Petr Mrazek (decrease physique) joins Lukas Dostal (higher physique) on the shelf. In steps journeyman Ville Husso and his 85.9% save share and -2.70 GSAA in just below three video games. He’s had some sporadic success over his 5+ seasons within the league — he carries a 90.1% profession save share — although he’s solely began 36 video games whole because the 2022–23 season.

He has a troublesome task because the Caps rank second within the league with 3.48 targets per 60 minutes, absolutely backed by their stage of play as their xGF ranks third at 3.41 per 60. Tom Wilson, identified principally for his “aggressive” play (I’m being beneficiant), has developed into a significant offensive pressure this season with 16 targets and 14 assists in 28 video games.

In addition they make use of this Alex Ovechkin man who you could have heard of, and he’s nonetheless filling up the stat sheet at 14-15-29. The Caps max out their residing legend, as they’ve but to place him in throughout a defensive-zone faceoff scenario (he’s the one man within the league who’s performed not less than 100 minutes who can say that).

The Geese rank simply behind the Caps at 3.43 targets per 60, and if something, must ramp up the offense extra now that they’re quick in web and are a nasty defensive crew to start with at 3.42 xGA per 60 minutes. Their opponent alone went over this whole on Wednesday because the Mammoth netted seven. The Caps, for his or her half, additionally hit the fortunate seven on Wednesday.

What may go mistaken? Properly, the fourth a part of this equation is the Caps’ objective prevention — and they’re fairly good at it. Logan Thompson ought to get the beginning, and he has a 91.9% save share and 9.62 GSAA that ranks fourth within the league. The Caps rank second in precise targets allowed per recreation and eighth in anticipated targets allowed.

However every little thing else factors to some offense. As well as, the Caps might need some drained legs as they play their third recreation in 4 nights in an oddly scheduled LA-to-San Jose-to-Anaheim swing.

Give me the Over.