Steven Hall
Show Bio
There’s just one NHL game on today’s slate following yesterday’s Frozen Frenzy, which saw every team in the league in action. The Washington Capitals will be on the road to take on the New Jersey Devils in a game that starts at 7:30 pm ET live on TNT. These teams couldn’t have started out on more opposite ends of the spectrum, with the Caps coming in at just 1-3-1 and the Devils at 3-1-1. Still, this matchup has the potential to be a solid contest considering the number of high-quality players on the ice, which is exactly the area this article plans to highlight.
Make sure you read our NHL predictions for this matchup, but for now, let’s dive into our best NHL prop bets for Capitals vs Devils.
Jesper Bratt over 0.5 assists (-120)
As we just mentioned, New Jersey is off to a hot start at 3-1-1. While a lot of the attention regarding this squad focuses on star Jack Hughes, and rightfully so, it’s been his teammate Jesper Bratt who’s been right there with him in terms of positive production. Not only has he been as reliable as ever, but he’s also setting a career-high for time on ice per game at 19:44, which shows that he’ll have ample opportunity to put up some numbers game in and game out. And that’s just what Bratt has done thus far – put up numbers.
Through the first 5 games of this campaign, he’s amassed 9 points. Just 3 of those come from actual goals, however, as Bratt has actually been better at setting up his teammates than scoring himself. Bratt’s 6 assists is tied for 12th in the league, and he’s recorded at least 1 in 4 consecutive games, including 3 in 1 game alone against the Islanders last week. With the Devils expected to be able to score on Washington’s lackluster defense and goaltending, look for Bratt to keep up his strong play.
Check out our Capitals vs Devils Same Game Parlay at +525 odds
Alex Ovechkin over 3.5 shots on goal (-120)
The Capitals’ offensive efficiency has left fans desiring more, to say the least. Washington ranks 28th or worse in the NHL in both goals per game (1.2, 32nd) and shots per game (27.2, 28th). They are, though, facing a New Jersey team that has allowed at least 3 goals in all but one game to this point and allow 31.8 shots per game, placing them 22nd in the league in that category. For Washington and Alex Ovechkin, this is just what the doctor ordered with their offense struggling.
Ovechkin has actually been shut out twice this season pertaining to shots on goal, but the matchup combined with his recent performances leads us to believe those are just anomalies. He’s now posted at least 5 shots on goal in back-to-back games, which includes yesterday’s ridiculous 14. For the Caps to have any chance of winning this one, they’ll need their veteran to come through in a big way. Whether that’s with actual goals or just putting pressure on the net, there’s a solid chance Ovechkin easily clears this set number.
Be sure to read our full NHL analysis for today
