The Washington Capitals (14-9-4) travel to face off against the Nashville Predators (17-13-0) on Saturday, December 16th. This game will be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The Predators are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Capitals are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Flyers. Puck drop is set for 8:00 ET.

Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators

The Washington Capitals Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Capitals come in with an overall record of 14-9-4. On the road, Washington has a 6-5-2 record, whereas they are 8-4-2 at home. In the Eastern Metropolitan division, they are currently 5th, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 10th. Washington’s average scoring margin this season is -0.3 leading to an overall puck line record of 12-14. Their scoring margin at home is -0.2 and -0.5 on the road.

Coming off a 4-3 loss on the road to the Flyers, the Capitals are hoping to bounce back today. In the first period, the Capitals struggled to find the net on offense, but they turned things around with two times in the second period and one goal in the third. Out of Washington’s three goals, one were scored during power plays. They concluded the game with 30 shots on goal and had four giveaways.

Although they didn’t win, Washington did cover the puck line as the underdogs in the game. The over/under line going into the game was 6 goals, which the teams surpassed with their combined 7 goals.

The Nashville Predators Are Coming Off A Win

So far this season, the Predators have an overall record of 17-13-0. On the road, Nashville is 7-7-0 and 10-6-0 at home. They are currently positioned 4th in the Western Central division and 7th in the Western conference. Nashville’s average scoring margin this season is +.1 leading to an overall puck line record of 15-15. Their scoring margin at home is +.3 and -0.1 on the road.

In their most recent matchup, the Predators played against the Hurricanes and won with a score of 6-5. Against the Hurricanes, Predators’ offense was able to score in all three periods. Of Nashville’s six goals, one came while in power play. They ended the game with 30 shots on goal and had three giveaways.

Despite being the underdog, Nashville managed to secure a win against the puck line in the game. The combined total of 11 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6 goals for the game.

Washington Offense Breakdown

On the offensive side, the Capitals are scoring an 2.5 goals per game this season, ranking 31st in the NHL. When it came to shots on target per game, they are 32nd in the league. In terms of the Capitals’ offense during power plays, they are 32nd in power play goals and 25th in shorthanded goals.

The Capitals’ over/under record this season is 9-16-1. For the season, they have had 15 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging 5.5 goals per game.

Nashville Offense Breakdown

The Predators come into the game scoring an average of 3.2 goals per game, putting them 8th in the NHL. Regarding shots targeted at the goal per game, they are 13th in the league. Nashville’s offense comes into the game ranked 9th in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 13th in the NHL.

The Predators have posted an over/under record of 13-13-4 so far this season. During last season, they participated in 42 games that did not exceed the over/under line set at 6. On average, their games had 5.7 goals per game.

Washington Team Defense

In terms of defense, the Capitals head into the game ranked 24th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 31.2 shots per game against Washington. So far, they are 16th in shutouts, achieving 2 shutouts.

Nashville Team Defense

Defensively, the Predators are currently 8th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 30.9 shots per game against Nashville. They also are 17th in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.

Capitals vs Predators Trends

• When looking at their past ten road matchups, Washington has an puck line record of 6-4 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 6-4 overall in these games.
• Through their last five home contests, the Predators offense has averaged 2 goals per game while allowing an average of 2. Nashville posted an overall record of 4-1 while going 2-3 ATS.
• As the betting underdog, the Predators have an puck line record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 2-1.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Capitals have a straight up record of 7-3. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 2-8.

Capitals vs Predators Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Predators to take down the Capitals at home. With the moneyline currently at -127, I’m placing my bet on the Predators straight-up.

My recommended pick for the puck line is to take the Capitals to cover. Even if the Predators win straight-up, this one should be close throughout and the Capitals should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down 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.