If you’re searching for best bets for the Washington Capitals’ upcoming contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at 7:00 PM ET, then you’ve found the right spot. Read on, as we offer our picks and projections for this showdown.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Picks

Bet on this or any NHL matchup at BetMGM.

Total Pick

Pick OU: Over 6.5 (model projecting 6.9 goals)

• A total of 14 Washington games this season have gone over Thursday’s over/under of 6.5 goals.
• So far this season, 19 games Columbus has played finished with over 6.5 goals.
• The total for this game (6.5) is 0.9 less than the combined scoring averages for the Capitals (4.04) and Blue Jackets (3.39).
• These two teams give up a combined 6.4 goals per game, 0.2 less than this one’s over/under.

Bet on the total at BetMGM today!

Moneyline Pick

Capitals Moneyline: -156

• In the 10 times this season the Capitals have been a moneyline favorite, they have finished 7-3 in those games.
• In games it has played with moneyline odds of -156 or shorter, Washington has compiled a 2-2 record (winning 50.0% of its games).
• The Capitals have a 60.9% chance (based on the moneyline’s implied probability) to win this game.

Blue Jackets Moneyline: +131

• In Columbus’ 24 games playing as the underdog on the moneyline this season, it has 10 wins.
• The Blue Jackets have won seven games with moneyline odds of +131 or longer (in 14 such games).
• Columbus has a 43.3% chance to win this game (implied from its moneyline odds).

Place your moneyline bet at BetMGM now!

Score Prediction

Prediction:
Washington 4, Columbus 3

Capitals Points Leaders

• One of Washington’s top offensive players this season is Dylan Strome, who has put up 35 points in 27 games.
• Having scored 15 goals and adding 11 assists, Connor McMichael is a top contributor for Washington through 27 games.
• Through 18 games, Alexander Ovechkin has proven himself as another option for Washington. He has 25 points (15 goals and 10 assists).
• Logan Thompson (11-1-2) has a 2.5 goals against average and a save percentage of .913 for Washington.

Blue Jackets Points Leaders

• Columbus’ Zachary Werenski has totaled 20 assists and nine goals in 28 games, good for 29 points.
• Kirill Marchenko’s 27 points this season, including 10 goals and 17 assists, make him one of the top offensive threats for Columbus.
• Columbus’ Sean Monahan has 24 points, courtesy of nine goals (second on team) and 15 assists (third).
• Elvis Merzlikins has a record of 9-8-2 in 19 games this season, conceding 58 goals (3.1 goals against average) with 460 saves and an .888 save percentage, 51st in the league.

Capitals’ Schedule

Looking for officially licensed NHL gear? Fanatics has jerseys, hats, apparel, memorabilia, trading cards, collectibles and more.

Blue Jackets’ Schedule

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Washington vs. Columbus Game Info

• Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• How to watch on TV: ESPN+
• Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
• Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
• Location: Columbus, Ohio
• Venue: Nationwide Arena

Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.