San Jose Sharks (0-7-1) vs. Washington Capitals (3-3-1)
San Jose Sharks vs. Washington Capitals 10/29/23 – As the NHL regular season continues to unfold, the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals are set to clash at Capital One Arena on Sunday, October 29th. The Sharks, still seeking their first win with an 0-7-1 record, are eager to turn the tide against a middling Capitals squad with a 3-3-1 standing. Both teams have their own narratives entering the contest, making for an intriguing matchup packed with NHL tips and picks.
The Sharks’ offense is currently led by center Tomas Hertl, left wing Fabian Zetterlund, and right wing Filip Zadina. Hertl, with 5 points from 1 goal and 4 assists, tops the Sharks’ roster in terms of production. However, considering the Capitals’ defensive capabilities, especially their strong performance at home, it remains to be seen if Hertl and his fellow forwards can pierce the Caps’ defensive unit.
Conversely, the Capitals have showcased a more balanced offensive threat, spearheaded by the legendary left wing Alex Ovechkin, defense John Carlson, and center Dylan Strome. Ovechkin’s record, while not at his peak, still stands formidable with 6 points from 2 goals and 4 assists. The Sharks’ defense, given their recent performances, might find it challenging to contain the Capitals’ trio, especially Strome who boasts a staggering 31.3% shooting percentage.
San Jose Sharks vs. Washington Capitals Game Info
| When: | Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Capital One Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper
Mackenzie Blackwood has endured an uncertain start this season as netminder for the Sharks. Through five games he holds an 0.897 save percentage, contributing significantly to their current plight. Blackwood must show mental fortitude as he has faced an onslaught of shots (184 to be exact) against him from opponents such as Ovechkin and Strome; both known scorers who will test him further as opponents continue firing shots at him from all directions. Blackwood must step up and provide comfort and hope within his squad or risk further losing support for their entire team if they hope of survival is ever going to exist at all.
On the contrary, Darcy Kuemper of the Capitals may be slightly better placed, yet his save percentage over five games of 0.89 suggests there may be cause for alarm. Some blame must fall upon their defense but Kuemper will remain acutely aware of Hertl and Zadina as threats that must be dealt with quickly by Kuemper himself. His home record combined with experience should give him some psychological protection but pressure will still be mounting for him to maintain or improve upon current form in order to help ensure their team take full advantage of hosting an opponent like Sharks.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Washington Capitals -213, Total Odds: 6
The current betting odds lean in favor of the Capitals with a Moneyline of -213. The total odds are set at 6, suggesting an expectation of a relatively high-scoring affair. Given the recent forms and stats of both teams, these odds seem justified.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks have been in a tight spot recently, with the total going UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games. Their overall record in the last 10 games stands at 0-10 SU, and their recent encounters with the Capitals have also been challenging, with a 2-5 SU in the last 7 games. One beacon of hope for the Sharks is their impressive 15-3 SU record in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Washington. Still, their road struggles are evident with a current 0-7 SU away streak.
Washington Capitals Betting Trends
The Capitals have their own set of concerns. They have won only 5 out of their last 20 games, and their performance at home against the Sharks has been less than impressive with a 3-15 SU in the last 18 games. Another daunting stat for the Capitals is their 0-5 SU in their last 5 games played on a Sunday. However, the total has gone UNDER in 5 of their last 7 games, indicating a trend that might continue.
San Jose Sharks vs. Washington Capitals 10/29/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ current forms and statistics, it appears the Capitals hold an advantage, especially when playing at home. However, San Jose’s commendable record against Washington on the road might make this a closer contest than it appears.
For those seeking premium top picks, taking the Capitals on the Moneyline seems the safer bet. As for the total, considering both teams’ recent trends, betting under 6 might be the prudent choice.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington Capitals 5, San Jose Sharks 2.