Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks Betting Pick & Prediction 12/17/24

Planning on watching today’s Capitals and Blackhawks game? Catch the action at United Center in Chicago, IL, as the Blackhawks hosts this showdown at 8:30 ET on ESPN+. The Capitals are favored by -1.5 goals in this non-conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 6 goals.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Chicago Blackhawks +1.5

This game will be played at United Center at 8:30 ET on Tuesday, December 17th.

WHY BET THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS:

• Despite being 1.5 goal underdogs, we predict the Blackhawks to come out on top with a final score of 4-2.
• We like the Blackhawks on the moneyline (+149)
• The Blackhawks are also our pick on the spread at +1.5

Will the Capitals Secure A Victory as Road Favorites?

Following a 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes, the Capitals now stand at 21-7-2 for the season. Washington’s defense struggled, allowing four unanswered goals after taking a 2-0 lead in the first period.

The total for the game was set at 6 goals, and the combined score matched that number. The Capitals, as underdogs on the puck line, failed to cover. Both of Washington’s goals came in the first period, but the Hurricanes responded with four straight, including an empty-netter in the final seconds.

Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play for the Capitals, while Brandon Duhaime added his 2nd goal. Nic Dowd picked up his 2nd assist of the year, and Dylan Strome notched his 13th assist on Ovechkin’s goal.

Washington managed 21 shots on goal but was held scoreless after the first period. The Capitals had 15 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Capitals will look to bounce back after allowing four goals to the Hurricanes, including three unanswered after taking a 2-1 lead. The final goal was an empty-netter, but the defense also gave up two in the second period and one early in the third. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, while the defense recorded 20 hits and 2 takeaways.

Does Chicago Have What it Takes at Home?

Chicago improved to 10-19-2 with a 4-2 win over the Ducks. The Blackhawks, as underdogs on the puck line, covered in this one. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 6 fell just short.

Four different players found the net for Chicago, who held the Ducks scoreless until the third period. Isaak Phillips opened the scoring at 7:03 in the first period.

Chicago’s offense netted four goals in their 4-2 win over Anaheim, with Ryan Donato scoring his 7th of the season. Seth Jones added his 2nd goal, while Teuvo Teravainen now has 4 goals on the year. Isaak Phillips also found the net for the first time this season.

Connor Bedard contributed with two assists, bringing his total to 9 for the season. The Blackhawks fired 29 shots on goal and converted twice on the power play.

Defensively, the Blackhawks will look to carry over their performance from their last game, where they allowed just 2 goals to Anaheim. Arvid Söderblom made 38 saves and posted a 95% save percentage. The Blackhawks’ defense also recorded 6 takeaways and 5 hits. Both goals they allowed came in the 3rd period, with the second coming with just 4 seconds remaining.