The NHL brings more action on Saturday afternoon as the Columbus Blue Jackets will travel to the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. to face the Washington Capitals in the fifth game of best-of-seven series. The Capitals made a comeback and have tied the series at 2-2 with an impressive 4-1 win in game four.
Columbus Blue Jackets Form
The Columbus Blue Jackets started this series in the best way possible as they won the first two games in this series. It seemed that they were in the driving seat especially because those wins were in Washington. However, they lost the next two homes at home and instead of leading with a 3-1 lead in the series, not it is tied to 2-2. In their last game, the Blue Jackets were demolished by a score of 4-1. Despite the two home losses, the Blue Jackets home form is 15-6 over their last 21 games. On the other side, their away form is 21-22 for the season and they have averaged 3.07 goals per game and have allowed 3.16 goals per game in those games.
On the offensive side of the game, the Blue Jackets have been a bit below average on this season as they are placed on the 17th spot in the league in scoring at 2.88 goals per game, converting on 17.2% of their chances. At the defensive part of their game, they have been in a solid form as they are placed on the 9th spot in goals allowed, letting in an average 2.76 goals per game, letting the opposing teams to convert on 23.8% of their chances.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals were in serious trouble after losing the first two games in this series at their home ground. However, the Caps bounced back as they won both games in Columbus to make it even in the series. Washington has been a solid team in the final phase of the season as they won 14 of their last 19. The Capitals home form this year is 28-15 here at home for the year and they have averaged 3.33 goals per game and have allowed 2.60 goals per game in those games.
The Capitals offensive stats placed them at the 9th spot in the league in scoring at 3.12 goals per game, converting on 22.5% of their chances. At the defensive side of the game, they have been a bit below average so far as they are placed in the 16th spot in goals allowed, letting in an average of 2.90 goals per game, allowing the opposing teams to convert on 19.7 % of their chances.
All in all, there are many interesting stats about this upcoming game. The Capitals have been in a good scoring form at home during the regular season and it seems that the Blue Jackets enjoy a free-scoring style of play when playing on the road. And although I expect a tight game, I believe that the Capitals have turned the tide in this series. They have gained momentum in the previous two games and I expect them to capitalize on that and to win this game.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals today on 4/21/2018 is: Take the Washington Capitals -165 (money line bet)
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