A great NHL battle is approaching soon between the Washington Capitals (16-9-4) and Columbus Blue Jackets (11-17-5), who meet for the third time this year on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00 PM ET at the Nationwide Arena in Ohio. The Capitals  are favored to find the win on the road with a moneyline at -120.

 

The Capitals have won their last two games heading into this event, which has made them 3-2 over their post five performances. Their most recent success was a 3-2 overtime outing over the New York Islanders.

 

Dylan Strome has contributed 19 points and 13 goals so far this season. In addition, John Carlson has added 15 assists, with both of them helping the offense flow.

 

They are averaging 2.41 goals and are firing off 27.8 shots per game. Their power play performances have not been stellar, as they have scored nine and have allowed 17 goals. This has resulted in a power play percentage at 10.6.

 

The Capitals have allowed opposing teams to average 2.76 goals and 30.9 shots on them. They also showcase a penalty kill percentage at 82.1.

 

The Blue Jackets have also gone 3-2 in their last five games, with a recent win under their belt. This was a 9-4 offensive explosion over the Buffalo Sabres, which put them back on the winning track after a previous defeat. The Blue Jackets were already up 7-2 heading into the final period of action, which secured their victory.

 

Zach Werenski leads the Blue Jackets with 25 points and 24 assists. Kirill Marchenko is their current goal scoring leader with 13 so far, ranking him 34^th in the league.

 

They are averaging 3.18 goals and 29.7 shots each game. Their power plays have been solid, as they have scored and allowed 15 goals on both sides. This puts their power play percentage at 16.1, which is slightly higher than the Capitals.

 

Their defense is allowing 3.64 goals and 34.3 shots from opposing teams. On top of that, they have a penalty kill percentage slightly above the Capitals at 83.7.

 

MyBookie has the odds currently showing the Washington Capitals as slight favorites for success. Can the Blue Jackets land one win in this series matchup?

 

 

The Blue Jackets are appealing as they head into this matchup with two recent wins. Looking at their last two games against the Capitals, they have failed to win. 

 

Both games have been decided by a goal, which shows that this could be another close matchup. Overall, look for the Capitals to sweep them this year.