NHL free picks: Capitals vs. Flyers, Stars vs. Kings
Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov corrals the puck against the Blue Jackets on Dec. 27. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)
January 8th, 2020
Hockey handicappers and fans will be treated to a prime-time doubleheader Wednesday night. First, two of the East's elite will square off at Wells Fargo Arena, as the Capitals visit the Flyers. Then the Stars will look to build on their four-game win streak against the woeful Kings in the late-night window.
Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN)
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|
Washington Capitals | -1.5 (+185) | -125 | Over 6.5 |
Philadelphia Flyers | +1.5 (-230) | +105 | Under 6.5 |
The Flyers finally return to Wells Fargo Arena, where they are 13-6 this season, following a dreadful, 1-5 road trip. But they'll be facing the Capitals, arguably the NHL's best team and the winners of three straight. The smart play would appear to be in the totals market.
Both clubs boast hot power-play units—Washington has cashed in on five of its last 18 chances (27.7%), while the Flyers have scored on eight of their last 33 opportunities (24.2%)—but neither team's penalty kill has been particularly efficient. The Capitals have killed just 17 of their last 24 man-down situations (70.8%), and Philadelphia has escaped 18 of its last 25 penalty-kill attempts (72%).
The Capitals have exceeded the total in 21 of their last 27 games following a win. The Over is 6-2 in the Flyers' last eight games played on no rest and 10-1-1 in their last 12 tilts against Eastern Conference foes. Look for Washington's Evgeny Kuznetsov (four goals and four assists in his last six games) and Philly's Claude Giroux (two goals and five assists in his last seven games) to fill out the scoresheet.
Both clubs boast hot power-play units—Washington has cashed in on five of its last 18 chances (27.7%), while the Flyers have scored on eight of their last 33 opportunities (24.2%)—but neither team's penalty kill has been particularly efficient. The Capitals have killed just 17 of their last 24 man-down situations (70.8%), and Philadelphia has escaped 18 of its last 25 penalty-kill attempts (72%).
The Capitals have exceeded the total in 21 of their last 27 games following a win. The Over is 6-2 in the Flyers' last eight games played on no rest and 10-1-1 in their last 12 tilts against Eastern Conference foes. Look for Washington's Evgeny Kuznetsov (four goals and four assists in his last six games) and Philly's Claude Giroux (two goals and five assists in his last seven games) to fill out the scoresheet.
NHL free play: Over
Dallas Stars at Los Angeles Kings, 10 p.m. ET (NBCSN)
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|
Washington Capitals | -1.5 (+185) | -125 | Over 6.5 |
Philadelphia Flyers | +1.5 (-230) | +105 | Under 6.5 |
The Stars will try to run their winning streak to five games against the struggling Kings, who are 2-6 over their last eight contests and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. But Dallas could be without defensemen John Klingberg (lower body) and Roman Polak (illness), who both missed Tuesday's practice. A play in the totals market is advised.
Stars forward Roope Hintz has five points over his last four games and his team has cashed in on four of its last 15 power-play chances (26.7%). Dallas has 15 goals during its four-game win streak, an offensive explosion by the Stars' standards.
The Kings will not go quietly, as forward Alex Iafallo is riding a seven-game point streak and leading scorer Anze Kopitar has added nine points over his last 10 contests. The potential absence of both Klingberg and Polak could go a long way to help L.A.'s offensive attack.
Stars forward Roope Hintz has five points over his last four games and his team has cashed in on four of its last 15 power-play chances (26.7%). Dallas has 15 goals during its four-game win streak, an offensive explosion by the Stars' standards.
The Kings will not go quietly, as forward Alex Iafallo is riding a seven-game point streak and leading scorer Anze Kopitar has added nine points over his last 10 contests. The potential absence of both Klingberg and Polak could go a long way to help L.A.'s offensive attack.
NHL free play: Over
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