Coyotes vs Capitals Prediction NHL Picks 3/3/24

The Arizona Coyotes will play the Washington Capitals on Sunday afternoon at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Arizona has lost 14 of their last 15 games, while Washington has alternated wins and losses over their last five games. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Coyotes vs Capitals prediction. 

Coyotes Preview

The Arizona Coyotes are 24-31-5 this season after they defeated the Senators by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Arizona blew a 3-0 lead in the first period, but they were able to score the only two goals in the third period for the win. The Coyotes were out shot by a total of 37-30 and went 2-4 on the power play in the game. Arizona had lost their previous 14 games, allowing at least four goals in 11 of them. The Coyotes are scoring 2.88 goals per game and they are allowing 3.32 goals against per game, while going 22.3% on the power play and 77.9% on the penalty kill. Clayton Keller (day to day) has led Arizona with 22 goals, 30 assists, and 165 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Arizona is Connor Ingram, who is 17-15-3 this year with a 2.82 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. The Coyotes will meet the Blackhawks and Wild after this one.

Capitals Preview

The Washington Capitals are 28-22-9 this year after they defeated the Flyers by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Washington trailed 2-0 after the first period, but they scored the final five goals in the game for the win. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 23-21 and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Washington lost to Detroit by a score of 8-3 in the game prior to Philadelphia, but did beat Ottawa before that. The Capitals are scoring 2.63 goals per game and they are allowing 3.12 goals against per game, while going 18.4% on the power play and 79.8% on the penalty kill. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 22 goals, 24 assists, and 126 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Charlie Lindgren, who is 13-9-5 this year with a 2.82 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. The capitals will face the Penguins, Blackhawks, and Jets after this game.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in five of the Capitals’ last six home games.
• Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last eight home games against the Coyotes.
• Alex Ovechkin has recorded an assist in each of the Capitals’ last five games as favorites against Central Division opponents.

Arizona Coyotes Player Prop Facts

• Clayton Keller has scored at least one goal in seven of the Coyotes’ last nine day games.
• Matias Maccelli has recorded at least one point in 10 of the Coyotes’ last 11 day games.
• Matias Maccelli has recorded at least one assist in six of the Coyotes’ last seven day games.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Washington Capitals rank 30th in the league for goals per game this season (2.63).
• The Washington Capitals rank T30th in the league in short handed goals this season (2).
• The Arizona Coyotes rank 25th in the league for goals per game this season (2.88).
• The Arizona Coyotes rank 30th in the league for shots per game this season (27.1).

Coyotes vs Capitals Betting Prediction

Arizona was finally able to snap their 14 game losing streak in their last game against Ottawa, but I don’t think they are going to make it two in a row here. Washington has played pretty well recently and they are 16-9-5 at home this season, compared to just 9-17-5 on the road for Arizona. Both teams struggle to score consistently, but Arizona’s defense has been a mess over the last 15 games. I think Washington will continue their momentum from their comeback win against the Flyers and I like them to win again here.  

David Racey's Pick: Capitals ML