Los Angeles Kings vs Washington Capitals Betting Picks

The Capitals have won four in a row. That win streak, though, is going to be severely challenged as Washington's next three games are all in California, starting with this one in LA against the Kings. The Capitals have picked up their scoring. However, the Kings have excellent defensive metrics and are getting another strong season from goalie Darcy Kuemper, who has a 2.39 GAA and .907 SV%. Look for the Kings to frustrate Washington with their slow-down style and ability to clog the neutral zone, limiting high-danger opportunities. LA gives up the sixth-fewest goals in the league. The Kings have only allowed an average of one goal in regulation during their last three home games. LA shut out Washington, 3-0, when it hosted the Capitals last season. Take the Kings on the puckline. 

When the Capitals' defense slips, they are in big trouble, as their offense has been highly disappointing, ranking 23rd in goals per game and 30th in power play production. Washington had the stingiest defense in the NHL until recently, but now ranks fourth after giving up an average of 3.6 goals a game during their last five games. The Capitals are 2-8 in their previous 10 games following a 3-2 shootout home loss to the Devils this past Saturday. The Kings are playing in their fifth of six consecutive away games. So far, they are a perfect 4-0 on their current road trip, having defeated the Penguins, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, and Senators, all by a 1-0 score, two days ago. The Kings are 9-1-2 away from home this season. They are hot and worth riding, especially given the Capitals' current woes. LA should hold a goalie edge, too, as starter Darcy Kuemper is projected to be in the net, while the Capitals have confirmed that backup Charlie Lindgren will start in goal. Take the Kings.

Los Angeles is 35-25-3 UNDER this season and the UNDER is 7-2-1 UNDER the past 10 meetings with the Capitals, who have stayed UNDER six straight on the road against the Kings. Los Angeles has gone UNDER six of its past eight games and five of seven overall against Washington. The UNDER is 5-0 when the Capitals are road underdogs of +110 to +150 and the Kings have stayed UNDER four home games in a row. Washington has gone UNDER seven of eight as a road dog and seven of eight as an underdog of +110 to +150 overall. Darcy Kuemper is likely in net for Los Angeles and he is 20-8-7 with a 2.29 goals-against average with two shutouts. Charlie Lindgren is 14-10-3 with a 2.66 GAA for Washington, which could also go with Logan Thompson, who is 28-4-5 with a 2.36 GAA. Take the UNDER.