The Washington Capitals host the Colorado Avalanche in the early window of Tuesday’s NHL slate. NHL odds have Colorado as a sizable –172 favorite, while the total sits at either 5.5 or six depending on the book.
Both teams are looking to turn the tide, with the Avs losing each of their past four games and Washington losing seven of its past eight.
Will Colorado snap the slump, or can the Caps defend their home ice? Find out in my free NHL picks for Avalanche vs. Capitals on Tuesday, February 13.
Avalanche vs Capitals odds
Avalanche vs Capitals predictions
While the Colorado Avalanche are unquestionably the stronger team, I think +142 is just too long of a number for the Washington Capitals in this spot. First, that number, which is available at FanDuel, is two-to-seven cents longer than the rest of the market, so there is a baked-in edge at that price.
But, more importantly, the Capitals are on home ice in a matchup where they boast the stronger goaltender. Charlie Lindgren is slated to guard the cage for Washington, and he has played tremendously this season.
Through 23 appearances in the crease, Lindgren boasts a .915 SV% and 2.58 GAA. There were a couple tough games for him as we transitioned from January to February, but he bounced back his last time out with a shutout performance against a very capable Boston Bruins offense.
One of those tough outings did occur against the Avs, but that is just going to be extra motivation for a stronger performance this time out. Meanwhile, goaltender Alexandar Georgiev is expected to start across the ice.
His season has not gone nearly as well as Lindgren’s, posting a .898 SV% and 2.94 GAA. Georgiev has now allowed four goals in back-to-back starts and in five of his past eight.
Colorado lost five of those eight outings. Additionally, Georgiev’s team has lost in six of his 11 career starts against Washington.
The Avs are the stronger team, but they struggle on the road with a 12-12-4 record when playing away from Ball Arena this season. Mix in a goaltending matchup where I give the edge to Lindgren, then I think it’s worth taking a shot on the underdogs at +142.
My best bet: Capitals moneyline (+142 at FanDuel)
Avalanche vs Capitals same-game parlay
Capitals moneyline
Alex Ovechkin anytime goalscorer
If the underdogs are able to pull off the upset, then Alex Ovechkin is likely going to have a role in the outcome. After a sluggish start to the campaign, Ovi has caught fire and has scored in each of his past five games.
This success is likely to continue against Colorado, a team he has scored against in 10 of their past 17 meetings. I highlighted Georgiev’s struggles earlier, but the defensive play in front of him has certainly not made his life easy.
This season, the Avs rank 20th in goals allowed per game and 23rd in penalty minutes taken per game. Based on their underlying metrics, positive regression is unlikely as they also rank 19th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.
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Avalanche vs Capitals moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Avalanche opened as a –172 favorite and remain at that price at the time of writing. Both these teams enter this game in poor form and they struggle on the road, so I would not be shocked if the market brings this line down as we approach puck drop.
That brings us to the total, which opened at either 5.5 or six depending on the book. It will be interesting to watch how the market treats this line because, on one hand, Lindgren has played tremendously but has dealt with an inconsistent offense in front of him.
On the other hand, Colorado’s offense has carried them this season and is capable of exploding at any time.
Avalanche vs Capitals betting trend to know
Colorado has lost 12 of its past 17 games on the road. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Capitals.
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Avalanche vs Capitals game info
| Location: | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC |
| Date: | Tuesday, February 13, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ALT, MNMT |
Avalanche vs Capitals latest injuries
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