Capitals vs. Golden Knights Prediction
The Washington Capitals have overcome previous postseason demons to reach the Stanley Cup Finals, while the Las Vegas Golden Knights have shocked everyone by advancing this far in their first year of existence. Which team will get the upper hand in Game 1 as the series begins tonight?
Game Snapshot
1 Washington Capitals at 2 Las Vegas Golden Knights
Monday, May 28, 2018
T-Mobile Arena at 8PM ET
TV: NBC
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Golden Knights are listed as a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Capitals are a +125 underdog, while the total is set at 5.5 goals. As of Monday morning, 55 percent of public bets are being placed on host Las Vegas. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Ovechkin thriving in spotlight
Washington left winger Alex Ovechkin has been outstanding the entire postseason and enters the Stanley Cup Finals with a team-best 12 goals in 19 games. He has also racked up 10 assists, while quieting plenty of doubters along the way. Center Evgeny Kuznetsov has also been a stalwart with 11 goals plus 13 assists for a team-best 24 points. Goaltender Braden Holtby was shaky for a few games in the Eastern Conference Finals versus Tampa Bay, but ended the series with back-to-back shutouts to play as important of a role as anyone. His postseason goals-against average is down to 2.04, while his save percentage is at .924.
Schmidt sees both sides of matchup
Las Vegas defenseman Nate Schmidt has been a huge addition for his squad after selecting him in the expansion draft from the Washington Capitals, the Golden Knights’ opponent in the Stanley Cup Finals. He has tallied two goals and four assists in 15 playoff games. During the regular season, he accounted for five goals and 31 assists in 76 games while having a plus-minus of plus-19. He played the previous four seasons in Washington, where he had three goals and 17 assists in 60 games last season. Center Jonathan Marchessault leads Las Vegas into the finals with eight goals and 10 assists during the playoffs. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has accounted for four shutouts and has a sparkling 1.68 GAA plus a .947 save percentage.
NHL Betting Trends
Washington
The under is 3-0-2 in the last five Capitals games overall. The under is 2-0-2 in the last four Washington games when its opponent allows two goals or less the previous game.
Las Vegas
The Golden Knights are 4-0 in their last four Monday games. Las Vegas is 4-0 in its last four games overall.
Prediction:
This series should be well-played and wildly entertaining as both teams are playing hockey at an incredible level right now. I think Washington has the firepower to steal a Game 1 victory, plus riding Holtby while he is this hot isn’t too bad of an idea especially if you can catch the Capitals as an underdog like you can here. Take a chance on Washington tonight.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS +125