Blue Jackets vs. Capitals: NHL Picks Experts 03/21

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NHL Game Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals - March 21, 2023

The Columbus Blue Jackets will take on the Washington Capitals in what promises to be an exciting NHL matchup on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The Capitals will be looking to bounce back after a 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild, where Alexander Ovechkin scored two goals. But the Blue Jackets have been struggling this season with only 21 wins so far. If you're looking to make some NHL picks for this game, experts and computer predictions suggest that the Capitals are the favorites to win. The Capitals have a +three scoring differential and have won 11 out of 20 Metropolitan Division games this season. However, don't count out the Blue Jackets just yet, as they have some talented players who can turn the game around.

For NHL today experts, the Capitals are likely the best bet, but nhl picks and parlay bets are always a popular choice for those looking for bigger payouts. NHL experts picks today may favor the Capitals, but it's always wise to consider the nhl picks with spread and the nhl picks odds before making your final decision. In terms of top performers for this game, Dylan Strome and Rasmus Sandin have been standouts for the Capitals, while Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine have been impressive for the Blue Jackets. The teams have faced each other three times this season, with the Capitals winning the previous matchup 6-2. But anything can happen in the NHL, and with the Blue Jackets looking to prove themselves, this game is sure to be an exciting one. Injuries may play a role in the outcome of the game, with several key players out for both teams. But regardless of who takes to the ice, this game is a must-watch for any NHL fan. So, make your NHL picks for today and get ready for an action-packed game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals on March 21, 2023.

Blue Jackets: Offensive Analysis

When it comes to offensive firepower, the Columbus Blue Jackets leave much to be desired. With only 181 goals scored this season, they are one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league. This lack of offensive production is reflected in their dismal record of 21-41-7, as they struggle to compete with other teams in the Metropolitan Division. While Johnny Gaudreau has been a bright spot with 17 goals and 46 assists, the rest of the team has failed to provide consistent offense. In the last 10 games, the Blue Jackets have averaged only three goals per game, making it difficult to compete against even average teams, let alone elite ones such as the Washington Capitals. Looking at NHL picks and predictions from experts and computer models, the Blue Jackets are not expected to make much noise in this matchup. Their lack of scoring and inconsistent play make them a risky choice for NHL picks and parlays. The Capitals, on the other hand, have a more balanced attack and are expected to come away with the win. In terms of betting, the best NHL bets for today do not include the Blue Jackets. Their poor record against the Metropolitan Division, coupled with their struggles on offense, make it difficult to justify taking them with a spread or any other type of NHL picks odds. Overall, the Blue Jackets' offensive woes are likely to continue against the Capitals. Unless they can find a way to generate more offense and help out Gaudreau, they will struggle to compete in this game and throughout the remainder of the season.

Blue Jackets: Defensive Analysis

When it comes to defense, the Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled this season, allowing a total of 266 goals so far, which is the second-highest in the NHL. However, despite their record and poor statistics, the Blue Jackets have shown some improvement in their defensive game over the past few weeks. One of the key players to watch for the Blue Jackets' defense is Seth Jones, who leads the team with an average of 25 minutes and 50 seconds of ice time per game. Jones has also shown some offensive prowess, scoring five goals and providing 16 assists this season. Other important defensemen include Vladislav Gavrikov, who has a +/- rating of +1, and Michael Del Zotto, who has 10 points and a +/- rating of +2. In terms of goaltending, the Blue Jackets have struggled with injuries lately, with Elvis Merzlikins currently out due to personal reasons. However, Joonas Korpisalo has been the primary starter this season, with a .902 save percentage and a 3.22 goals-against average. His backup, Matiss Kivlenieks, has also shown some potential, with a .899 save percentage and a 3.05 goals-against average. The Blue Jackets will need to tighten up their defense if they want to compete against the Washington Capitals, who have a strong offense led by Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals scored six goals against the Blue Jackets in their previous matchup, with Ovechkin scoring two goals. However, the Blue Jackets have the ability to surprise their opponents, and their improved defensive game could be a factor in this game. In conclusion, while the Blue Jackets have struggled defensively this season, they have shown some improvement recently. They will need to continue to improve their defense if they want to have a chance against the Capitals, who have a strong offense. However, with key defensemen like Seth Jones and Vladislav Gavrikov and capable goaltenders like Joonas Korpisalo and Matiss Kivlenieks, the Blue Jackets have the ability to surprise their opponents and earn a win.

Capitals: Offense Analysis

The Washington Capitals offense has been inconsistent as of late, which is evident in their 4-5-1 record in their last ten games. They have been averaging 3.6 goals per game but have also been giving up 3.5 goals per game. The Capitals will need to find a way to score early and often against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have one of the worst defenses in the league. Dylan Strome has been the Capitals' top performer, with 17 goals and 35 assists this season. He will need to continue his strong play if the Capitals want to come away with a win against the Blue Jackets. Rasmus Sandin has also been playing well, with one goal and 10 assists in his last ten games. The Blue Jackets have struggled this season with a 21-41-7 record, and they have one of the worst defenses in the league. They have allowed 266 goals while scoring only 181 goals. The Capitals should be able to take advantage of their weak defense and put up some big numbers on the scoreboard. NHL picks experts and computer predictions are likely to favor the Capitals in this game, as they have won the previous matchup against the Blue Jackets with a score of 6-2. Alexander Ovechkin scored two goals in that game, and he will be a key player in this game as well. Overall, the Capitals offense has the potential to put up big numbers against the Blue Jackets, and they will need to do so if they want to secure a win. NHL picks and parlays experts are likely to bet on the Capitals to win this game, and they are the best NHL bet of the day. With Columbus struggling and the Capitals having a strong scoring differential, they should be able to pull off a win with ease.

Capitals: Defensive Analysis

When it comes to defensive play, the Washington Capitals have had a rocky season. Despite a positive goal differential of +3, they have allowed 216 goals against, which is the fifth-highest in the Metropolitan Division. However, they have been able to mitigate this with their offense, scoring a total of 219 goals this season. The Capitals' defense has been plagued by injuries, with key players Carl Hagelin and John Carlson out of the lineup. The team has also had a tough time staying disciplined, averaging 3.9 penalties and 10.8 penalty minutes per game. They will need to stay out of the penalty box against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that has been able to capitalize on the power play this season. In terms of defensive performance, Dylan Strome has been a standout player for the Capitals, with 17 goals and 35 assists. However, the team will need more from their back end if they hope to secure a win against the Blue Jackets. Rasmus Sandin has also been a solid contributor on the defensive front, with one goal and 10 assists over the last 10 games. The Blue Jackets have struggled this season, but it doesn't mean that the Capitals can let their guard down. Johnny Gaudreau has been a threat with 17 goals and 46 assists, while Patrik Laine has been heating up with five goals and seven assists in the last 10 games. The Capitals will need to be aware of these key players and adjust their defensive strategy accordingly. In conclusion, the Capitals' defense will need to step up their game if they hope to secure a win against the Blue Jackets. With key injuries and penalty troubles, they will need to play a disciplined game and rely on their standout defensive players to shut down Columbus' offense. The NHL picks experts may not favor the Capitals' defense, but with a solid offensive performance, they can come out on top.

Injury Report Analysis: Blue Jackets vs. Capitals

As the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Washington Capitals, they will be missing a few key players due to injuries. Defensemen Zach Werenski and Jake Bean are out with shoulder injuries, while forward Sean Kuraly is sidelined with an oblique injury. Justin Danforth is also out due to a shoulder injury, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is out for personal reasons. The Capitals are also dealing with a number of injuries. Forward Carl Hagelin is out with a hip injury, while goaltender Darcy Kuemper is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Defenseman John Carlson is still out with a facial injury, and forward Connor Brown is out with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Nick Jensen is also day-to-day with an upper-body injury. While injuries can certainly impact the outcome of a game, both teams have had a tough season overall, with the Blue Jackets sitting in eighth place in the Metropolitan Division and the Capitals in sixth. NHL picks experts and computers may not be confident in either team's chances, but predictions from NHL today experts and fans still anticipate an exciting matchup. As for NHL picks and parlays, the injury reports may be a factor to consider when making decisions. However, fans looking for the best NHL bets today may find that the odds for this game are relatively even, with neither team having a clear advantage. Overall, while injuries are always a concern, both teams will need to rely on their remaining players to step up and make an impact on the ice. And with Alexander Ovechkin's recent 2-goal performance for the Capitals, anything can happen in this matchup.

NHL Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals

The Columbus Blue Jackets will face the Washington Capitals in an exciting NHL match on March 21, 2023. While the Capitals are favorites to win based on their overall record, it's important to note that the Blue Jackets have proven they can put up a fight. However, after Alexander Ovechkin's two-goal performance in the last game, the Capitals are likely to come out even stronger.

Pick: Washington Capitals (-1.5)