Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings Predictions, Odds, Picks

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The Detroit Red Wings have finally started to turn the corner and are now becoming a contending franchise once again. No, we’re not where we were at the end of the ’90s by any means, but for a team that’s been in the dumps for nearly a decade, it’s nice to see there’s a bit of a light at the end of the tunnel. The Wings are currently fourth in the Atlantic and would be in the playoffs if they started tomorrow. It’s weird to hear, isn’t it? As for Washington, we all know the story. The Caps are once again undeniable and have been hard to stop.

Our Pick

We actually like the Wings to end the year on a high note with a big home win over the Caps. We’re calling a 4-3 overtime victory for the red and white.

A year end treat is on tap for Red Wings fans as one of the hottest teams in the NHL comes to town for a potential confidence boost. If the Red Wings can pull off a win they’ll end the year with 12 home wins which would put them tied for second in the league. Little Caesars has been an absolute fortress for the Wings this year and a W against the red hot Caps could catapult them into 2022 – the year that could bring an end to their five-year playoff drought.

Washington Must Capitalize on Mismatches

The Caps have done a masterful job all year of line changes. They’ve managed to either get or keep their stars on the rink against the lesser lines of their opposition time and time again. This isn’t a testament to the players, it’s a testament to head coach Peter Laviolette’s consistent attention. It’s what’s helped Alex Ovechkin break record after record and it’s also what’s kept the Caps either atop or among the elite Eastern squads all year long.

In this one this recipe is pretty simple – fire when ready. Washington is currently eighth in the league in total shots with 1,031. They’re also fourth in shooting percentage with a whopping 10.8%. These guys know how to generate chances and roughly a tenth of said chances end up in the back of the net. If the Caps can continue their all-out assault, they should be sitting pretty to end 2021.

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Wings Need More Hot Sauce

In the Red Wing’s last six games, they’re a brutal 2-4-0. However, prior to that December 7th, 5-2 loss to Nashville, Detroit rattled off a five-game win streak which ripped them up the Atlantic Division standings in a hurry. Now, as a result of those past winning ways, they have a chance to do the unthinkable on home ice. If they can retain even a lick of that confidence and stay hot on home ice, they could possibly knock off one of the best teams in hockey.

It’s not that far-fetched to think either. The Wings enter this game not far back of the Caps with a shooting percentage of 9.6% and averaging just under a goal per game less than Washington. The stars could align here as the Caps have also been alternating win-loss-win-loss through their last seven dating back to December 6th. With that in mind as well, if we truly want to read the tea leaves here, Washington’s last result was a win on December 29th against Nashville. It could definitely happen for Detroit, but these Wings will have to keep the scoreboard attainable and close all night long to give luck a chance.

Trends Are in the Air

Washington is 9-2 through their last 11 against Eastern teams. Meanwhile, Detroit has won seven of their last eight at home.

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