Capitals vs. Golden Knights Prediction
The Washington Capitals have never won a Stanley Cup Trophy in franchise history, but that can all change tonight with a victory at the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Can Washington hoist the championship tonight or will Las Vegas extend the series?
Game Snapshot
9 Washington Capitals at 10 Las Vegas Golden Knights
Thursday, June 7, 2018
T-Mobile Arena at 8PM ET
TV: NBC
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Golden Knights are a -145 favorite on the moneyline. The Capitals are a +125 underdog, while the over-under is set at 5.5 goals. As of Thursday morning, 59 percent of public bets are coming in on host Las Vegas. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Kuznetsov, Backstrom generous in Game 4
Washington center Evgeny Kuznetsov dished out four assists, while fellow center Nicklas Backstrom contributed three assists. Three different Capitals players scored in the first period – T.J. Oshie, Tom Wilson and Devante Smith-Pelly – to make it a 3-0 game. John Carlson added a goal in the second period to continue the rout. Las Vegas got two goals back in the third period, but Michael Kempny and Brett Connolly scored later in the period to put it at a 6-2 final. Braden Holtby turned away 28 of 30 shots to notch the win.
Fleury struggles in loss
The defense in front of Las Vegas goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury did him no favors, but he also wasn’t his usual self in allowing six goals on only 23 shots. The Golden Knights made it interesting in the third period with goals by James Neal and Reilly Smith, but Washington quickly put it away in the minutes thereafter. A suspension or any discipline has not yet been announced for Las Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb, who blindsided Oshie toward the end of the game.
NHL Betting Trends
Washington
The under is 3-0-1 in the last four Washington games on Thursday. The Capitals are 1-5 in their last six Thursday games.
Las Vegas
The Golden Knights are 16-2 in their last 18 games versus a team with a winning road record. Las Vegas is 7-1 in its last eight games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600.
Prediction:
This doesn’t seem like a series that should end in five games. Even if Las Vegas doesn’t rally to win three straight, this is surely not the last we’ll hear from this franchise. I’d be surprised if the Golden Knights don’t make another deep postseason run in the next two or three years, maybe even next year. But while it looks like the Capitals will be celebrating their first-ever Stanley Cup, I don’t think it happens tonight. Arguably the best home-ice advantage in the NHL will be out in full force and Las Vegas has show perseverance all season. Take the favorites here to extend the series.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: LAS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS -145