November 16 NHL Betting Preview: Bruins Favored in Bid for First Home Win Over Capitals Since 2014
- Boston Bruins host the Washington Capitals in clash of division leaders
- Bruins have posted just one win in their past five games
- Check the preview below for odds, analysis and a pick for tonight’s tilt
The Boston Bruins will be aiming to halting a lengthy seven-game losing streak on home ice against Washington when they host the Capitals on Saturday as -145 favorites in the Capitals vs Bruins odds.
Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline Odds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | +1.5 (-200) | +115 | O 6.5 (-105) |
| Boston Bruins | -1.5 (+170) | -135 | U 6.5(-115) |
*Odds taken on Nov. 16
Bruins Undefeated at Home in Regulation
Boston returns home on a high after tallying a 4-2 win in Toronto on Friday, marking the team’s first victory in five outings going into Saturday night’s matchup at TD Garden.
.@Bmarch63 took over in the third, potting two goals to help the #NHLBruins snap their losing streak.
? Catch up on all the highlights from last night's 4-2 victory over the Maple Leafs: pic.twitter.com/CexPmHvBby
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 16, 2019
The Bruins’ four-game slide came on the heels of a red-hot start to the season that saw the team march to an early lead atop the Atlantic Division standings while going 11-1-2
The Bruins’ four-game slide came on the heels of a red-hot start to the season that saw the team march to an early lead atop the Atlantic Division standings while going 11-1-2. Despite their recent swoon, the Bruins have continued to rack up points, with their two recent losses on home ice coming by shootout, leaving them as the only remaining team to avoid losing in regulation this season.
Boston Shooters Continue to Struggle
Secondary scoring continues to be an issue in Boston. David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand continue to power the Bruins’ attack, accounting for 29 of the team’s 68 goals so far this season. However, Pastrnak has been noticeably quiet during the club’s recent struggles, scoring just a single goal and no assists over the past four outings.
The top three point scorers in the NHL are Leon Draisitil, Connor McDavid, and David Pastrnak.
Draisitil is on pace for 160 points!
McDavid is on pace for 144 points!
Pastrnak is on pace for 141 points!These are unreal numbers in this day and age. Especially if they reach it.
— Bruins Boy (@thebruinsboy) November 15, 2019
The Bruins’ will likely need the 23-year-old to bounce back against the Capitals, a team that had beaten them 13 straight times until a 1-0 victory in Washington in February. Boston has steadily struggled to generate offense against the Capitals over the past five years, scoring just 11 total goals in seven straight home losses since March 2014.
Caps Emerge as Stanley Cup Favorites
The Capitals make the trip to Beantown as +125 underdogs after dropping a lopsided 5-2 decision to the visiting Montreal Canadiens as lofty -160 chalk on Friday night. With the loss, Washington has now fallen to defeat in two of three outings, ending an impressive 11-1-1 run. However, the Capitals maintain a comfortable five-point lead atop the Metropolitan Division standings, and have quickly vaulted up the Stanley Cup odds, where they are now perched as narrow +850 favorites.
Alex Ovechkin and Lars Eller address the media following the Caps loss to the Canadiens #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/eDVuOqDKi7
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 16, 2019
Like Boston, the Capitals have struggled to find the back of the net in recent outings. After averaging 4.92 goals per game during their recent 13-game surge, the club has potted just seven total goals the last three. However, the Capitals have continued to be impressive performers on the road, posting wins in each of their past four contests away from Capital One Arena, and currently sport an NHL-best 9-1-1 road record this season.
High-Scoring Affairs Powering 15-3 Run for the OVER
Washington has shown resilience playing on consecutive nights, claiming victory in the second game of back-to-back contests in three of its past four, averaging 4.75 goals per game. Road games involving the Capitals have tended to be high-scoring affairs this season. Seven or more total goals have been scored in seven of the Capitals’ past nine road dates, powering a 7-2 run for the OVER in puck totals betting in away contests, and a 15-3 run for the OVER in the team’s past 18 overall contests.
A defenseman, John Carlson, leads the NHL in scoring with 18 points in 10 games. Elite vision and deception while teeing up teammates for 1-timers are helping him pile up the points. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/97NDlBbSBD
— The Point (@ThePointHockey) October 21, 2019
The Capitals’ big guns have also continued to produce. John Carlson has tallied eight points during a five-game point streak, and continues to lead all NHL rearguards in scoring with 31 points while Evgeny Kuznetsov has amassed 10 points over his past six games. Alexander Ovechkin has scored in just two of seven games this month, but has seven goals and five assists in his past dates with the Bruins.
Picks: Capitals to win (+115), OVER 6.5 (-105)
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
