Anaheim vs Washington: The Ducks can stop the powerful Capitals

Anaheim have already reached second place in the Western Conference standings. Dallas Eakins’ men are coming into this game against Washington, the third team in the East, with a streak of seven straight wins. Will the Ducks manage to pick up their eighth win against the very strong Capitals? We’ll pick a few options at once.

If the Ducks scored a lot in the first few games, but they often conceded even more, then the Californians have found a balance. The efficiency of the attack did not drop much, and the defence became much more reliable. On their seven-game winning streak, Anaheim won six times on aggregate, including against such difficult opponents as St. Louis and New Jersey.

In the last game, Anaheim defeated Vancouver 5-1. Trevor Zegras scored twice on the power play.

The Capitals’ current winning streak is more modest than Anaheim’s, but four straight wins are also good. The calendar for Washington during that stretch was very difficult. First, Peter Laviolette’s team defeated Buffalo 5-3 at home. The team had a brilliant road back-to-back, beating Detroit 2-0 and Columbus 4-3. And lastly, back at Capital One Arena, Washington overshadowed Sidney Crosby’s debut of the season by literally destroying him 6-1 against Pittsburgh.

In total, the Capitals have nine wins in 16 games. The team shares first place with Carolina in the Metropolitan Division standings. The Capitals are third in the Eastern Conference standings, or rather share second place with Carolina. Only Florida are higher.

Although it has beaten mostly not the strongest opponents lately, Anaheim deservedly climbed so high in the standings. It will be very difficult for Washington in the upcoming game. Their opponent is formidable, and the flight to California from the U.S. capital is too far. Anaheim may not win in regulation time, but they will have to draw at least in regulation time.

• X1 and Total Over 2.5 for 1.90;
• X for 4.20;
• Correct score 4-4 for 20.00.