Washington Capitals (12-7-2) vs. Arizona Coyotes (12-9-2)
Washington Capitals vs. Arizona Coyotes 12/4/23 – The Washington Capitals take on the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night in an intriguing interconference matchup. The Capitals sit fifth in the competitive Metropolitan division, powered by a top-10 scoring defense. The Coyotes are trying to get into playoff positioning out West thanks to some emergent scorers and stellar goaltending. Free hockey game insights give Washington the slight edge, but expect a competitive battle.
Washington Capitals have displayed a diverse attack this season, led by Alex Ovechkin with his leadership and playmaking abilities despite scoring less goals than usual. Defenseman John Carlson and Right Wing Tom Wilson have also played vital roles in supporting their offensive endeavors. Their challenge lies in breaking through Arizona Coyotes defense which has strengthened significantly under goaltender Connor Ingram.
On offense, the Arizona Coyotes are led by Right Wing Clayton Keller’s scoring and assist prowess as a cornerstone of their strategy. Center Nick Schmaltz and Left Wing Matias Maccelli have also played significant roles in expanding their offensive capabilities; now their mission will be penetrating Capitals defense that has proven itself resilient but not impregnable.
Washington Capitals vs. Arizona Coyotes 12/4/23 Game Info
| When: | Monday, December 4, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Mullett Arena |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper vs. Goaltender Connor Ingram
Darcy Kuemper was Washington’s prized free agent acquisition over the summer, inked to a lucrative long-term deal to stabilize the Capitals’ net. His debut season in D.C. has proven an uneven affair so far. Kuemper’s pedestrian .894 save percentage and bloated 3.04 goals against average both rank among the NHL’s bottom third league-wide. Inconsistency night-to-night has marked his game recently. He has failed to post a save mark over .900 in three straight outings. Still, his playoff history and past numbers as a starter provide hope for a rebound. If Kuemper hits his stride, he could carry Washington on a deep run
Facing Kuemper is Connor Ingram, author of a dramatic breakout campaign manning the crease for Arizona. Ingram has seized the starter’s job in his first full NHL season, displacing Karel Vejmelka after a stellar opening stretch. Among qualified leaders, Ingram’s 2.4 goals against average sits inside the NHL’s top ten. His .926 save percentage shines even brighter. The former backup boasts elite lateral quickness and rebound. The Capitals offense looks mundane on paper but retains enough high-end talent to challenge Ingram if he shows any cracks. Ingram must bring his A-game to match Kuemper save for save on Monday night.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Washington Capitals -135, Total Odds: 6
The betting odds favor the Washington Capitals with a -135 moneyline, indicating a slight edge over the Coyotes. The total of 6 points reflects expectations of a moderately high-scoring game, aligning with both teams’ recent performances.
Washington Capitals Betting Trends
The Washington Capitals have trended under in 9 of their last 14 games overall. They have a history of low-scoring affairs with the Coyotes specifically, going under in 6 of their past 8 meetings in Arizona. The month of December and playing on Mondays have both been kind to Washington in recent years from an SU perspective.
Arizona Coyotes Betting Trends
While Arizona Coyotes’ scoring has dropped off lately, their home games still exceed totals at a high rate historically. The Coyotes defensive style materializes against Washington in particular, with 5 straight unders head-to-head. Arizona has found ways to win games despite inconsistencies, taking 4 of their last 5 contests.
Washington Capitals vs. Arizona Coyotes 12/4/23 Betting Picks
Considering the trends and team dynamics, this game is likely to be closely fought. The Capitals have the edge in terms of offensive experience, but the Coyotes’ recent form, particularly at home, cannot be underestimated.
In terms of picks, while the Capitals are the favorites, the Coyotes’ recent performances make them an attractive underdog bet. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially the goaltenders, could provide valuable opportunities. The over/under bet is a tough call, but leaning towards the under might be wise considering both teams’ recent defensive records. For those seeking insights from pro handicapping experts, this game provides a perfect blend of statistics and player dynamics to consider.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington Capitals 3, Arizona Coyotes 2.