Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Back the Caps Offense to Build Some Momentum for the Playoffs

Heading into the playoffs, the Washington Capitals offense have the opportunity to build some momentum as they face off against a Pittsburgh back line who ranks well below league average in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Later in the night, we turn our attention towards the contest between Los Angeles and Calgary as the Kings defense are in a favorable position to hold the Flames off the scoreboard by consistently smothering their shot attempts.

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Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins - Prop Bets (7:00 PM, EST)

Washington Capitals Team Total Over 2.5 (-170) at BetMGM Sportsbook

Arguably no one in the league overachieved more than the Washington Capitals this season as they head into the playoffs as the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference after being listed as a fringe contender per their preseason odds to win the Stanley Cup. Their offense played a major role in their success this year as their front line ranks sixth overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 3.35 Expected Goals per game.

Against Pittsburgh, the Capitals offense will have the opportunity to build some momentum before the start of the playoffs as they face off against a Penguins defense who ranks 26th in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Even if Washington gives Alexander Ovechkin the night off, the Capitals field more than enough playmakers to stretch out the Penguins underwhelming coverage as they possess six players who all average over 0.25 Expected Goals per game.

Not only have the Penguins back line struggled to play at a competitive level, but their goaltending has also failed to give them the protection they need to mask their struggles on defense. As of writing, both Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic rank near dead last in average Goals Against per game while neither goalie possesses a Save Percentage higher than .900. No matter who gets the start for Pittsburgh, expect either goalie to struggle while having to fend off the Capitals relentless pressure in front of their net.

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Connor McMichael Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-150) at BetMGM Sportsbook

Before targeting any player prop for Thursday’s slate, it’s important to monitor who is playing and who is getting the night off as line adjustments may drastically affect their ability to generate high quality Shots on Goal. Connor McMichael for example is dependent on Tom Wilson being able to play as his linemate draws defensive attention away from him which helps create wider shooting lanes for the Capitals forward to exploit. Should Wilson opt out of the last game of the season, then pass on this prop.

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Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings - Prop Bets (9:30 PM, EST)

Calgary Flames Team Total Under 2.5 (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook

Even though the Los Angeles Kings were not able to win the Pacific division title, they still managed to put together a productive season as they are currently 48-24-9. While their offense struggled to play at a high level, their defense was in a tier of their own as their back line ranks first overall in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Their suffocating coverage helped Darcy Kuemper wall off shots at a consistent rate as the star goalie averaged just 2.02 Goals Against per game.

Their defense will have the opportunity to end the season on a high note as they face off against a Calgary offense who ranks 25th overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 2.95 Expected Goals per game. Especially with the Flames lacking the versatility needed to stretch out the Kings elite coverage which hurts their chances of generating a high quality Shot on Goal. Should the Kings backup goalie David Rittich get the start instead, then reduce the size of your wager.

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Kevin Fiala Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-165) at BetMGM Sportsbook

Even though the Kings offense have struggled as a whole, that has not stopped Kevin Fiala from being able to pressure the net at a consistent rate as he averages 0.34 Expected Goals and 2.99 Shots on Goal per game. With the Flames back line struggling to defend their net as their below league average mark in Expected Goals Against in All Situations indicates, Fiala will have the opportunity to generate a higher volume of shot attempts which increases his chances of clearing the over on this prop.

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