Golden Knights vs. Capitals Prediction
With the Stanley Cup Finals even at a game apiece, the action shifts to Washington tonight. Will the host Capitals prevail or will it be the Las Vegas Golden Knights that grab the 2-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series?
Game Snapshot
5 Las Vegas Golden Knights at 6 Washington Capitals
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Capital One Arena at 8PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Capitals are a -125 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Golden Knights are a +105 underdog, while the total is set at 5.5 goals. As of Saturday morning, 53 percent of public bets are siding with visiting Las Vegas. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Holtby makes Save of the Year candidate
Washington goaltender Braden Holtby was spectacular in Game 2 as he made 37 saves in a 3-2 victory to even the series at 1-1. His most memorable save, and one of the best in Stanley Cup Finals history, was a diving effort to rob Las Vegas right winger Alex Tuch point blank as his stick stopped the puck dead in its tracks. It was an incredible save that helped the Capitals preserve its lead and secure the one-goal margin. Lars Eller evened the score at 1-1 for the Caps late in the first period, while in the second Alex Ovechkin netted his 13th goal of the playoffs to stak Washington to a 2-1 advantage. A goal by Brooks Orpik midway through the second period made it a 3-1 game, while Las Vegas cut it back to 3-2 with 2:13 remaining in th second to make the third period a nailbiter. Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov left Game 2 with a forearm injury and did not return. He is questionable to play tonight.
Vegas unable to keep home ice advantage
After taking a 1-0 series lead, the Golden Knights had a prime opportunity to take a commanding lead but were unable to get the job done. James Neal opened the scoring for Las Vegas, his fifth of the postseason. Las Vegas proceeded to fall behind 3-1, but a slap shot by Shea Theadore late in the second period made it a 3-2 game. Ultimately, the Golden Knights were unable to get any closer and the series moves to D.C. even at a game apiece. Marc-Andre Fleury recorded 23 saves on 26 shots to take the loss.
NHL Betting Trends
Las Vegas
The under is 4-0-1 in the last five Golden Knights road gams. Las Vegas is 5-1 in its last six games overall.
Washington
The under is 13-3 in the last 16 Capitals games vs. the Pacific Division. Washington is 19-7 in its last 26 Saturday games.
Prediction:
The Capitals proved they could win in the tough environment of Las Vegas, so why not again back home? Ovechkin is hungry for a Stanley Cup and Holtby is playing with a ton of confidence right now. This series just might go a full seven games, but right now I feel confident in Washington to protect its home ice tonight.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS -125