Blackhawks vs Capitals

With the streaking Washington Capitals looking to cement their playoff seeding and the struggling Blackhawks all but eliminated from contention, this matchup gives Washington a clear upper hand. The Caps have won five of their last ten games and show no signs of slowing down as key players like Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome remain healthy and productive. In contrast, the Hawks limp into Friday night on a four-game losing skid and will likely be without Coltron Dach and Alec Martinez, who are still day-to-day. Connor Bedard’s inconsistencies in his have left Chicago devoid of consistent offensive firepower. Historically, Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin have given Chicago fits, combining for nine goals over their last five meetings against the Windy City club. Given Washington is locked in a tight race for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, expect a focused and dominant performance on home ice. However, with steep Moneyline odds at -420, the return on investment is limited unless folded into a parlay or used in live betting for better value. Recommendation: Take Washington straight up with a B grade for win likelihood, but recognize the payout doesn’t justify a large solo wager. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 04/04/2025 05:14

With the Blackhawks staggering into D.C. on a four-game skid and the Caps grinding down opponents during a 5-4-1 run. Chicago’s offense continues to sputter, especially with Connor Bedard inconsistencies with no other stars to run with. Meanwhile, the Caps, riding strong performances from Dylan Strome and Charlie Lindgren, have been playing tight, strategic hockey as they jockey for playoff seeding in a tight Eastern Conference wild-card race. With both teams dealing with fatigue late in the season and special teams playing conservatively, the potential for a goal fest diminishes. This under bet has decent value given the circumstances, but uncertainty around last-minute injury updates like Bedard’s status drops it to a Grade B play. Odds and availability are subject to change.

With Alexander Ovechkin ramping up for another playoff run and Connor Bedard doing his best to keep the low-flying Blackhawks somewhat airborne, this matchup leans heavily in Washington’s favor. The Caps are riding decent form, surging to 48 victories and pushing to lock up home-ice advantage in round one. Meanwhile, Chicago is circling the drain, winning one of their last ten despite Bedard’s individual brilliance. The injury bug also bites harder in the Windy City, with Alec Martinez sidelined, weakening an already struggling blue line. Historically, Washington has dominated this matchup, especially at Capital One Arena where they’ve covered the puckline in four of the last five visits from Chicago. The Blackhawks simply don't have the depth or defensive structure to contain the veteran-heavy Capitals club that’s eyeing the postseason with purpose. With Washington fully healthy and in playoff mode, look for them to cruise past a rebuilding and fatigued Chicago club. At -145, this puckline pick isn’t the most lucrative, but it’s one of the safest plays on the board — it earns a solid A for both reliability and matchup value. Odds and availability are subject to change.