Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Both clubs are stuck near the bottom of their conferences almost a month into the regular season: the Washington Capitals and the St. Louis Blues both sit in 15th place.
Washington Capitals
Where are the Washington Capitals who consistently dominated last season? They cannot even get into positive home form: three wins and four losses so far. Only the starting goaltender Logan Thompson has maintained consistency. He leads the entire NHL in goals against average (1.51 in 8). Even with him, the Capitals do not always win — only in five games — but if he starts, their chances increase.
St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues also relied for many years on the reliability of Jordan Binnington. No. 50 can still carry the team, as in the last game against the Edmonton Oilers (3:2) when he saved 92.3% of shots, but overall he has allowed four extra goals. His partner Joel Hofer is also at plus five goals. It is no surprise that no one in the NHL has conceded more than the Blues (53). Only the San Jose Sharks have the same number, which is why they are neighbours in the standings.
Washington Capitals vs St. Louis Blues Prediction
Because of problems in attack (2.58 scored) and a weak power play (15%), the Washington Capitals are this low, but they have an unusually low number of goals conceded for an outsider — 29. We back a home win, especially if Logan Thompson is in goal.
