Capitals vs. Sharks Prediction and Odds: Washington Tops Struggling San Jose

The Washington Capitals have won five of their last six games after shutting out the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, 2-0.

The Capitals have been trending upward as of late, and making their direction even more impressive is the fact that they have been playing without Nicklas Backstrom, Lars Eller, and T.J. Oshie. All three could return before the end of the month. 

After recording 26 points in 17 games, Alex Ovechkin is currently in a two-game pointless streak.

The San Jose Sharks have been up and down this season, but mostly down in the last week, losing three of their last four games.

The Sharks lost to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, 4-1. San Jose goalie James Reimer stopped 44 of the massive 48 shots he faced.

Here are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Washington Capitals vs. San Jose Sharks Puck Line, Odds and Total

Puck Line:

• Capitals -1.5 (+195)
• Sharks +1.5 (-230)

Moneyline:

• Capitals -118
• Sharks +108

Total: 6 (Over -105/Under -115)

Washington Capitals vs. San Jose Sharks Prediction and Pick

The Capitals have a goal differential of +19, which is third best in the NHL. Only the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes have produced a better goal differential. As for San Jose, they are still sitting in the red, with a goal differential of -2.

Washington has flat out played better hockey this season, and the Capitals have done well against the puck line spread too, with a record of 12-5 against the spread.

Ovechkin has been held off the score sheet for the last two games, and I don’t see that lasting too much longer.

James Reimer has been strong in net this season for the Sharks, but as long as the porous defense in front of him keeps getting caught on their heels, then Reimer will continue to be peppered with shots. Even more concerning for the Sharks if backup Adin Hill is between the pipes.

You don’t need to have more shots to win, but San Jose is 27th in the NHL in shots per game, and they may need to raise that number tonight against Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, and the Capitals. 

Pick: Capitals -118