The Chicago Blackhawks (21-45-10) travel to face off against the Washington Capitals (48-18-9) on Friday, April 4th. This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington and televised on NHLN. The Blackhawks are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Capitals are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Hurricanes. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Blackhawks vs Capitals

The Chicago Blackhawks Are Coming Off A Win

Chicago improved their record to 21-45-10 with a 4-2 road win over the Ducks. The Blackhawks covered the puck line as underdogs, and the total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined score falling just short at 6.

Four different players scored for Chicago in this one. They built a 3-0 lead before the Ducks got on the board, and Chicago’s defense held Anaheim scoreless until 10:16 in the third period.

The Washington Capitals Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Capitals fell to 48-18-9 after a 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes. Washington was the underdog on the puck line, and the total was set at 6 goals, resulting in a push. The Capitals initially led 2-1, but the Hurricanes scored three unanswered goals.

Both of Washington’s goals came in the first period, with Alex Ovechkin tying the game at 19:16 and Brandon Duhaime giving them the lead at 19:49. However, the Hurricanes responded with goals in the second and third periods, including an empty-netter with 9 seconds left.

Chicago Offense Breakdown

Chicago’s offense fired 29 shots on goal and scored 4 times in their 4-2 win over the Ducks. Ryan Donato netted his 7th goal of the season, while Seth Jones added his 2nd. Teuvo Teravainen scored his 4th, and Isaak Phillips found the net for the first time this year.

The Blackhawks scored twice in the first period, added a third on a power play in the second, and capped off their scoring with Donato’s goal in the third. Connor Bedard picked up 3 assists, bringing his season total to 9.

Capitals Offense Breakdown

Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play, while Brandon Duhaime followed with his 2nd goal in Washington’s 4-2 loss to Carolina. The Capitals took 21 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.

Ovechkin’s goal came at 19:16 in the first period, with John Carlson earning his 7th assist and Dylan Strome picking up his 13th. Duhaime scored just 33 seconds later, at 19:49 in the first.

Chicago Team Defense

Arvid Söderblom made 38 saves with a 95% save percentage, helping the Blackhawks to a 4-2 win over the Ducks. Defensively, Chicago recorded 6 takeaways and 5 hits. Both goals they allowed came in the 3rd period, including one with just 4 seconds left.

Washington Team Defense

Washington’s defense gave up the first goal at 5:59 in the 1st period, and after taking a 2-1 lead, they allowed three unanswered goals—two in the 2nd period and an empty-netter with 9 seconds left in the 3rd. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, but the Capitals’ defense recorded just 2 takeaways and 20 hits.

Blackhawks vs Capitals Trends

• Through their last three road contests, the Blackhawks offense has averaged 1 goals per game while allowing an average of 4. Chicago posted an overall record of 0-3 while going 0-3 ATS.
• In their last ten games at home, the Capitals have a straight up record of 6-4 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 3 goals per game in this stretch.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Washington has an puck line mark of 8-2 while going 6-4 straight up.
• In their last five contests as the favorite, Chicago has a poor record vs the puck line going 2-3. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 3-2.

Blackhawks vs Capitals Prediction

To those searching for a pure moneyline wager, the Capitals is the clear pick. Still, with a payout of -412, it’s worth thinking about including this bet in a parlay.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Blackhawks to cover. Even if the Capitals manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Blackhawks should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.