Bruins vs. Capitals Prediction
The host Washington Capitals will begin their Stanley Cup title defense tonight as they host the Boston Bruins in their regular season opener. Can Washington win tonight as the small favorites or will Boston spoil the celebration of last year’s success?
Game Snapshot
3 Boston Bruins at 4 Washington Capitals
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Capital One Arena at 7:30PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Capitals are a -125 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Bruins are a +105 underdog, while the over-under is set at 5.5 goals. As of Wednesday morning, 68 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting Boston. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Bruins hope for better start to season
Boston began last season with an underwhelming 6-7-4 record before going on a tear to eventually finish 50-20-12. Playing with one of the youngest rosters in the NHL, the Bruins saw many players continue their development at the highest level. One such player is defenseman Torey Krug, who Boston will be without for at least a few weeks as he is out with an injured left ankle. Krug had 14 goals and 45 assists over 76 games last season.
“It’s a big loss,” center Patrice Bergeron told the Boston Herald. “He’s a huge part of our defense, power play as well. He’s the quarterback up there. We’re going to miss him. That being said, it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up and be good for us.”
Ovechkin still on top of game
As evidenced during the playoffs last year, Washington sniper Alex Ovechkin still has it. He registered 87 points (49 goals) during the regular season before dominating to the tune of 27 points (15 goals) in 24 postseason games. Ovechkin recently turned 33 years old and will look to once again post a strong follow-up season as he has done every ensuing year of his career to date. The Capitals will likely be without top-line winger Tom Wilson, whose occasionally dirty play resulted in a questionable hit during the preseason finale that leaves him in danger of being suspended. He was slated for a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety today.
NHL Betting Trends
Boston
The Bruins are 0-4 in their last four games overall. Boston is 0-6 in its last six meetings at Washington.
Washington
The under is 3-0-2 in the last five Capitals games versus the Atlantic Division. Washington is 21-6 in the last 27 meetings.
Prediction:
As much as I want to take Boston here, it’s struggles against Washington are well-documented and the Capitals are going to want to treat their fans to a victory on a night where they look back on hoisting the Stanley Cup Trophy last season. Boston being without Krug shakes up its defense and I don’t think it has enough to overcome the high-powered Caps on the road.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS -125