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Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 17, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 17, 2024 9:29 PM
The Washington Capitals, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division with a 21-7-2 record, travel to the United Center to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 8:30 PM. The Capitals' impressive 12-3-0 road record will be put to the test against the struggling Blackhawks, who are 10-19-2 on the season and 5-8-0 at home. This non-conference matchup is set to be an exciting clash between two teams at opposite ends of the NHL standings.
Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks

Current Odds

WSH
CHI
Over
5.5
+215
Under
5.0
+108
WSH
-1.5
-110
CHI
+1.5
-110
WSH
ML
-588
CHI
ML
+1257

Capitals vs Blackhawks statistics

Stat Capitals Blackhawks
Goals For per Game 3.87 2.48
Goals Against per Game 2.67 3.19
Shots per Game 29.2 25.5
Shots Against per Game 27.5 30.0
Power Play Goals 20 19
Power Play Goals Against 16 14
Short Handed Goals 3 0
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 272 229
Power Play Percentage 21.5 23.8
Penalty Kill Percentage 83.2 84.4

Chicago Blackhawks recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/15/24 vs New York Islanders W 5-3
12/14/24 @ New Jersey Devils L 4-1
12/12/24 @ New York Islanders L 5-4
12/9/24 @ New York Rangers W 2-1
12/7/24 vs Winnipeg Jets L 4-2

Washington Capitals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/14/24 vs Buffalo Sabres W 4-2
12/12/24 @ Columbus Blue Jackets W 2-1 OT
12/7/24 @ Montreal Canadiens W 4-2
12/6/24 @ Toronto Maple Leafs W 3-1
12/3/24 vs San Jose Sharks L 2-1 OT

Chicago Blackhawks injuries

  • Nick Foligno (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Craig Smith (C): Day-To-Day
  • Alec Martinez (D): Injured Reserve
  • Petr Mrazek (G): Injured Reserve
  • Laurent Brossoit (G): Injured Reserve

Washington Capitals injuries

  • Andrew Mangiapane (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Alex Ovechkin (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Tom Wilson (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Brandon Duhaime (RW): Out
  • Lars Eller (C): Day-To-Day

Capitals vs Blackhawks game info

Type Info
Venue United Center
Location Chicago, IL
Puck drop Tue 8:30 PM

Capitals vs Blackhawks predictions

As the Washington Capitals gear up to face the Chicago Blackhawks, all eyes are likely to be on Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome. McMichael, leading the Capitals with 15 goals, has shown he can be lethal around the net, a trend that might very well continue in this matchup. Strome, with his impressive 27 assists, has been the playmaker the Caps needed, weaving through defenses to set up crucial plays. Given their current form and the synergy between them, it wouldn't be surprising to see these two dominate the ice at the United Center.

On the flip side, the Chicago Blackhawks have their own weapons. Ryan Donato and Connor Bedard have been standout performers this season. Donato, netting 10 goals so far, might find ways to pierce through the Capitals' defense, especially if he capitalizes on power play opportunities. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Connor Bedard, who leads the team with 19 assists and 26 points, continues to show why he’s a key asset for the Blackhawks. His knack for creating scoring opportunities could really stir things up against the Capitals’ solid defense.

Looking at both teams, the Washington Capitals come into this game in a stronger position, not just in the standings but also in terms of player performances and overall team dynamic. They've been particularly strong on the road, which only adds to their advantage. While the Blackhawks have the potential to surprise, especially with home ice, the Capitals' robust defense and high-scoring offense make them the likely victors in this NHL non-conference showdown. Let's see if the Blackhawks can tap into their underdog spirit, or if the Capitals will continue their assertive run in the league. What do you think, could there be an upset brewing, or will it be business as usual for the Caps?

Chicago Blackhawks

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Washington Capitals

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Washington Capitals
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