(YTD 21-17.   +7.55 units )

Capitals/Wild:

The Washington Capitals will try to avoid their third straight loss as they fly into what has been one of the toughest arenas for visiting opponents to win in in over a decade. 

The Minnesota Wild are not only home to the most hostile NHL atmosphere in the United States, but are also among the hottest starters to this season. At 11-4-2, the Wild are currently the third best team in the league, and are riding a three game win streak of their own. 

The moneyline opened in the -140s in favor of Minnesota, and this seems quite appropriate given the circumstances. As Washington announced the probability of Phoenix Copely likely having the start, the line has seen further more movement in the Wild’s favor. 

Needless to say, Minnesota has the edge if we are to put things on paper. 

However, this can be a test of resiliency and rebound for the defending champion Capitals team who are in currently in the tightest top to bottom division race in the NHL. Although the troops have now been taken over by Todd Rierden, it appears as though the mentality is similar and somewhat replicated to that of former Elite Head Coach Barry Trotz, and this can be the right approach against a more offensively focused regular season style coach like Bruce Boudreau. 

I’m not going to jump to any conclusions that the Wild are overachieving (as many see them to be), but I do think this is a great spot to grab a motivated Capitals team at good value.

Capitals moneyline +130  1*