NHL Free Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals
Hockey betting fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
Team records:
Toronto: 16-23-9
Washington: 28-12-6
Tonight, 7:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds: Maple Leafs +200, Capitals -240
Call me crazy – absolutely off my rocker – but I have a hunch about the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. In theory, they’re walking into a buzzsaw. The Verizon Center is one of hockey’s toughest buildings to visit (who could’ve imagined that five years ago?); the Caps are hockey’s highest-scoring team, the Leafs are hockey’s worst defensive team; the Caps have hockey’s best power play, the Leafs have hockey’s worst penalty kill. All those factors add up to make the Leafs a +200 underdog, which is a big number for NHL betting.
But I still smell an upset. First off, the Leafs have won two straight against Washington this season, albeit at home. Second, they’ve given some solid efforts in high-profile, tough buildings this year, including a win at Pittsburgh and a game at Chicago that they deserved to win a couple months back. Most importantly, they looked like a different team last night. They skated hard and played confident, smart hockey. Rookie Tyler Bozak has really gelled with Phil Kessel and Nikolai Kulemin on Toronto’s top line, amassing four points in his first three NHL games and showing pro-caliber creativity.
I believe those factors – not to mention Washington’s woeful goaltending without Semyon Varlamov – can overcome the awesome power of Ovechkin and the Caps tonight. If you’re feeling lucky, consider this crazy bet.
NHL Betting Trends:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto’s last 10 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto’s last 6 games on the road
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington’s last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pick: Maple Leafs +200
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Shea Matthews lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national newspapers. He now applies his knowledge to sports betting and handicapping every day, and shares his winning picks with the world.
