The Vegas Golden Knights are a well-oiled machine right now. They own a 7-2-1 record over the last 10 games and have surged to the top of a competitive Pacific Division as a result.
They are now back on home ice, where they own an 8-1 record on the season and have dominated since the day they entered the NHL.
My Capitals vs. Golden Knights predictions see the home side continuing to build on their home success, with one of the game’s best offensive defensemen leading the charge.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for November 17.
Capitals vs Golden Knights prediction
My best bet
Shea Theodore over 0.5 points (-113 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The Washington Capitals are off to an exceptional start that has surpassed even the highest of expectations. That being said, there are some emerging problems under the hood. They just haven’t fully shown themselves yet.
Washington quietly ranks tied for 29th in 5v5 expected goals against over the past 10 games, keeping company with teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers.
They’re giving up a lot of good chances but have mostly masked their defensive shortcomings with solid goaltending.
That’s not a recipe for success over the long haul and is concerning heading into a date with the Vegas Golden Knights. The Knights have a lot of high-end talent and consistently finish at an efficient rate, ranking 4th in the NHL in shooting percentage thus far.
Not to mention, the Golden Knights have taken their offense to a new level. They rank 1st in 5v5 shot generation and 4th in goals over the last 10 games.
Given the volume Vegas is generating and the caliber of chances Washington’s conceding, this is a spot where the Golden Knights should net a few goals.
If that’s the case, Shea Theodore is likely to be involved. He is an elite offensive defenseman who routinely skates behind the top line at 5v5 on top of serving as the quarterback of the NHL’s 2nd most efficient power play.
He plays big minutes and is a focal point behind Vegas’ elite attack. Expect him to make noise offensively in this sneaky-good matchup.
Capitals vs Golden Knights same-game parlay (SGP)
Shea Theodore Over 0.5 points
Pavel Dorofeyev Over 0.5 points
Golden Knights moneyline
Pavel Dorofeyev is another player high on the list of guys who should benefit from this matchup against the Capitals. He is skating on the top line, and top power-play unit, alongside Jack Eichel, who has 27 points through 17 games and has been one of the best playmakers in the NHL.
Dorofeyev should have ample opportunity to use his prolific shot — the best attribute his game features — sharing the ice so frequently with a player who already has 22 assists.
Having a distributor like Shea Theodore playing behind him for a healthy chunk of his shifts, be it at 5v5 or on the power play, will certainly help the cause as well.
Given how much their ice overlaps, it’s a very realistic possibility both players cash on the same goal.
I love this spot for the Golden Knights as a whole. Their offensive game has really taken off while the Capitals are heading in the wrong direction defensively.
Not to mention, the Caps have done a lot of their damage at home (7-2-1). It’ll be tougher for them to find their game in Vegas against a team that’s been almost unbeatable on home soil since Day 1.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Capitals vs Golden Knights odds
Capitals vs Golden Knights live odds
Capitals vs Golden Knights opening odds
- Puck line: Washington +1.5 | Vegas -1.5
- Moneyline: Washington +117 | Vegas -132
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Capitals vs Golden Knights trend
Shea Theodore found the scoresheet in 60% of his home games following a day off last season. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Golden Knights.
How to watch Capitals vs Golden Knights
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV |
| Date: | Sunday, 11-17-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MNMT, SCRIPPS |
Capitals vs Golden Knights latest injuries
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