Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Boston Bruins are gradually sliding to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings — a fall that, in the long run, might benefit the organisation. The Washington Capitals, on the other hand, remain top of the East with a healthy cushion and are still very much motivated — Alexander Ovechkin is just four goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.
Boston Bruins
It’s been exactly a month since Brad Marchand last featured for the Bruins — and there’s been precious little to celebrate since. They have been abysmal offensively, averaging just 2.06 goals per game while shipping 3.69 the other way. Their underlying numbers are even more damning: just 41.92% of xG at even strength — the worst in the NHL. An eight-game losing streak, seven of those in regulation, speaks for itself.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have also stumbled recently with three straight defeats, but the context is very different. In each of those games, they had the better of the high-danger chances, 31-20 in total, and led the xG battle twice. There’s no sign of them easing off. The current version of the Bruins is there to be taken apart, and the Capitals are visibly rallying around Alexander Ovechkin’s chase of Wayne Gretzky’s record. The Russian captain has 14 points in his last 10 games and remains on pace for history.
Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals Prediction
The Boston Bruins look like a team already focused on the off-season, with just one home win since 8 February. The Washington Capitals have the edge in depth, quality, and motivation. Backing the Capitals to get the job done in regulation looks a solid call.
