Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals Preview
Where: Verizon Center – Washington, D.C.
When: Sunday, January 15, 2017, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Philadelphia Flyers (+190) at Washington Capitals (-230); total: 5.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
Writer’s Pick: Washington Capitals (-230)
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Betting on the Philadelphia Flyers (+190)
Moneyline: +190
The Philadelphia Flyers are back to their losing ways. After getting a shootout win over Vancouver on Thursday, the Flyers dropped a high-scoring 6-3 affair at Boston on Saturday. The Flyers have now gone just 3-10 in their last 13 games (3-7-3).
Backup goalie Michal Neuvirth started against the Bruins but was unable to arrest the team’s defensive woes. The Flyers, who are 27th in the league in goals against (3.0 GAA), have given up nearly four goals per game over their last 10. Steve Mason is set to return between the sticks, but he’s coughed up three or more goals in four of his last five starts.
Meanwhile, the goals have dried up for the Flyers offense over the past weeks. They’re averaging just 2.2 goals over their last 10 games, down from the 3.0 goals they’re averaging on the season. Claude Giroux has scored just one goal in the last month, but that one goal was against the Caps in a 3-2 shootout win for Philly.
Perhaps another meeting with Washington is what Giroux needs to get back on the scoresheet. Giroux has 16 goals and 16 assists in 30 games against Washington.
The Flyers, though, are 0-8 in their last eight road games.
Betting on the Washington Capitals (-230)
Moneyline: -230
The Washington Capitals have been nothing short of unstoppable over the past couple of weeks. The Caps have reeled off eight wins in a row – the longest active win streak in the league – with five of those wins coming against teams with winning records.
Their last three wins have been especially impressive as they defeated the Atlantic-leading Canadiens (4-1), the Stanley Cup champion Penguins (5-2) and the Central-leading Chicago Blackhawks (6-0). Jay Beagle and T.J. Oshie led the way in their demolition of the Hawks with two points apiece.
Meanwhile, goalie Braden Holtby made 24 saves to record his league-leading sixth shutout of the season. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is now 9-2-2 with a 1.34 GAA and a .950 save percentage with five shutouts in his last 14 games.
As for the Caps offense, which is third in the league with 3.0 goals per game (7th in the NHL), it’s averaging 4.4 goals per game during the eight-game win streak, with 31 of the 35 goals coming at even strength.
Alex Ovechkin is in fine form with three goals and six points in his last three games, and will look to add to that total against the Flyers. Ovi has 31 career goals and 48 points in 42 games against Philly in his career, while Nicklas Backstrom has 44 points in 35 career games against the Flyers.
The Caps have won their last five games in a row at home, and have scored at least five goals in their last four home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Caps (-230) extend their win streak to nine as they down the Flyers, 4-1.
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