The Washington Capitals (37-30-11) travel to face off against the Buffalo Sabres (37-37-5) on Thursday, April 11th. This game will be played at KeyBank Center in Buffalo and televised on ESPN+. The Capitals are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Sabres are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Stars. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Capitals vs Sabres

The Washington Capitals Are Coming Off A Win

As the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals are in a tight race for a playoff spot. Their overall record of 37-30-11 has them in 4th place in the Metropolitan Division. Over their last ten games, the Capitals have gone 4-6, and they are just 1-4 in their last five games.

On the road this season, Washington has gone 17-18-4, and as the underdog, they are 23-27-8. In games against other Eastern Conference teams, the Capitals are 22-24.

As the underdog, Washington has a puck line record of 32-26 this season. Overall, their puck line record is 37-41, and they have 18 road losses by multiple goals. So far, the Capitals’ average scoring margin on the road is -.8 goals per game.

When looking at their last ten road games, the team’s puck line record is 5-5. Over their last ten games overall, the Capitals have gone 4-6 against the puck line. This season, Washington has lost 28 games by more than one goal.

The Capitals most recently took on the Red Wings and secured a win with a score of 2-1. The Capitals couldn’t find the net offensively in the first or third periods against the Red Wings, but they did score two times in the second period. In the game, Washington managed to score all two goals at even strength. They concluded with 23 shots on goal and committed 5 turnovers.

Despite being the underdog, Washington managed to secure a win against the puck line in the game. The game finished below the over/under line of 6 with a combined total of 3 goals.

The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

At home this season, the Sabres have gone 20-19-1, and they have won their last two games on their home ice. Against the Eastern Conference, Buffalo has gone 22-25, and they have been favored in 29 of their 79 games this season. Overall, the Sabres have gone 37-37-5, and they are currently in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.

Buffalo has lost their last two games and has gone 4-6 in their last ten games. Against teams from the Atlantic Division, the Sabres have gone 10-14 this season. As the favorite, Buffalo has gone 17-11-1 this year, and they have a two-game winning streak when favored. In their last three games, the Sabres have gone 1-2, and they are 2-3 in their last five games.

Buffalo comes into the game with a puck line record of 44-35, including a mark of 20-20 at home. So far, the Sabres have had 26 wins by multiple goals and have gone 6-4 against the puck line in their last ten games.

When playing at home, Buffalo has an average scoring margin of +.2 goals per game, and they have gone 7-3 against the puck line in their last ten games at home. Overall, the team has gone 11-18 against the puck line when favored.

In their most recent game, the Sabres fell to the Stars on the road by a score of 3-2. On offense, the Sabres scored two times in the first period, but that was all the scoring they could come up with for the game. In the game, Buffalo managed to score all two goals at even strength. They concluded with 21 shots on goal and committed 7 turnovers.

Despite the loss, Buffalo did cover the puck line, as they went into the game as the underdog. The game ended below the over/under line of 6, with a combined total of 5 goals.

Washington Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Capitals come in averaging 2.6 goals per game this season, which is 28th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 30th in the league. Washington’s offense comes into the game ranked 20th in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 32nd in the NHL.

The Capitals’ over/under record this season is 34-40-4. For the season, they have had 38 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging 5.9 goals per game.

Sabres Offense Breakdown

When looking at their offense, the Sabres have an average of 3 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 21st in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 14th in the league. Buffalo’s offense comes into the game ranked 30th in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 21st in the NHL.

The Sabres’ over/under record this season is 31-45-3. For the season, they have had 40 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging 6 goals per game.

Washington Team Defense

Washington defense takes on the Sabres ranked 12th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 30.8 shots per game against Washington. They also are 9th in shutouts, with 6 shutouts.

Buffalo Team Defense

Buffalo defense takes on the Capitals ranked 21st in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 29 shots per game against Buffalo. They also are 13th in shutouts, with 5 shutouts.

Capitals vs Sabres Trends

• Across the Capitals last five road games, the team averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 3. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 2-3, while going 2-3 straight-up.
• When looking at their past three matchups at home, Buffalo has an puck line record of 2-1 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• The last three games that Buffalo was the underdog, they have an puck line mark of 1-2 while going 0-3 straight up.
• Although the Capitals have a strong straight up record in their last three games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the puck line going 1-2.

Capitals vs Sabres Prediction

When it comes to a moneyline wager, I’m going with the Sabres to defeat the Capitals while playing at home. Given the current moneyline odds at -136, I’m placing a wager on the Sabres to win outright.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Capitals to cover. Even in the event of a Sabres victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Capitals should cover the puck line.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering 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.