Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Los Angeles Kings arrive in the US capital aiming to extend their six-game road winning streak, and the current form of the Washington Capitals suggests that this task is entirely realistic.
Washington Capitals
No team in the league is performing worse at the moment. Washington’s 2-6-2 pace is matched only by the Nashville Predators, and the Capitals have already sunk to 14th place in the Eastern Conference. The gap to a wild-card spot is just four points, but given their current level, that distance feels much larger. Alexander Ovechkin has produced two points in three of the last five matches, yet only once did his contribution translate into a victory — the 4:1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes. In all other cases, the team simply failed to support their captain offensively or defensively. Logan Thompson hasn’t been disastrous in goal (around 0.90 save percentage), but the Capitals have still managed only two wins in his last five starts.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are in superb rhythm (7-2-1) and come into this fixture after four straight wins last week — all away from home. Some required high scoring, like the 4:3 OT victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, while others, such as the 1:0 win against the Ottawa Senators, were built on defensive excellence and a flawless Anton Forsberg (17/17 saves). The Kings possess both a reliable No.1 in Darcy Kuemper — who has already saved his team from roughly 9.3 expected goals against — and a capable Swedish back-up. This strong goaltending foundation is a major factor behind the Kings recently climbing to first place in the Pacific Division for the first time this season.
Washington Capitals vs Los Angeles Kings Prediction
Ovechkin alone cannot drag the Washington Capitals past such a well-structured and defensively disciplined Los Angeles Kings side. With the Capitals winning only two of Thompson’s last five starts and the Kings in outstanding road form, the visitors look much stronger on all fronts.
