Minnesota at Washington

The Capitals aren't just Alex Ovechkin. Their strength is defense. Washington is holding opponents to 1.75 goals on 28 shots per game through four games. That ranks fifth in the NHL. Washington's offense hasn't been nearly as good. The Capitals rank 28th in scoring and on the power play. Ovechkin, who scored 44 goals last season, has yet to get his first goal this season. Minnesota ranks 9th in scoring, but is 24th defensively. The Wild are capable defensively, though, when they focus on it. They shut out the Blues on the road in their opening game. Minnesota surrendered five goals to Dallas in its last match. The Stars are the second-highest scoring team in the NHL with the second-best power play percentage. The bar is set much lower here for the Wild against the Capitals. The pace should be slow. The Capitals should control most of the faceoffs as the Wild ranks in the bottom-10 in that category. The Wild know they can't fall more than a goal behind the defensive-minded Capitals, especially being on the road. Both teams' starting goalies are projected to start: Filip Gustavsson and Logan Thompson. Take the UNDER.