The Washington Capitals have been one of the best stories in the NHL through the early part of the 2024-25 campaign. A big reason for that was the play of their captain and living legend Alexander Ovechkin, who had potted home 15 goals through the first 18 games at age 39.
Unfortunately for the Capitals, Ovechkin will miss tonight’s game due to injury, and they’re taking on a Colorado Avalanche team that has won four of their last five games. Their only loss in that span was at the hands of the Capitals, so this is a revenge game for Colorado.
Find out why my Avalanche vs. Capitals predictions and NHL picks for Thursday, November 21 favor the road team.
Avalanche vs Capitals prediction
My best bet
Avalanche moneyline (-146 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Six days ago, the Colorado Avalanche were defeated on home ice by the Washington Capitals. One of the hardest things to do in this sport is beat the same team twice in a row, and it will be especially hard for Washington due to the absence of Ovechkin.
The Avalanche are 4-1 in their last five games, and that is because Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar are all red-hot. Over their last five games, these three have combined for an incredible 23 points.
While the Capitals have been defending pretty well, only allowing six goals against in their last three games, there should be a much better effort tonight from the Avalanche as opposed to what we saw last week.
Rantanen will be the guy to watch tonight, as he has scored six goals in his last five games but has been held off the scoresheet for two straight.
Caps goalie Logan Thompson is 8-0-1 on the year with a .913 SV% and a 2.63 GAA along with a +6.9 GSAx, and the team has been defending very well in front of him. But with the way Colorado’s offense has looked as of late, it won’t be easy for Thompson tonight.
Avalanche vs Capitals same-game parlay (SGP)
Avalanche moneyline
Mikko Rantanen 3+ shots on goal
Tom Wilson 3+ shots on goal
Rantanen has had a minimum of four shots on goal in four of his last five games and I don’t see that slowing down at all tonight, especially since he hasn’t scored in two straight games.
Tom Wilson has been a bit too quiet as of late, only recording one shot on goal in each of his last three games. With Ovechkin out, somebody has to step up for Washington. That guy should be Wilson, who hasn’t scored since Halloween (nine games without a goal).
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Avalanche vs Capitals odds
Avalanche vs Capitals live odds
Avalanche vs Capitals opening odds
- Puck line: Colorado -1.5 (+168) | Washington +1.5 (-210)
- Moneyline: Colorado -144 | Washington +120
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Avalanche vs Capitals trend
The Avalanche have won four of their last five games. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Capitals.
How to watch Avalanche vs Capitals
| Location: | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date: | Thursday, 11-21-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ALT, MNMT |
Avalanche vs Capitals latest injuries
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