Washington Capitals vs. Los Angeles Kings: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings hit the ice on Thursday in the NHL. These teams have each been successful in their own regard this season, but know there is a long way to go in earning the ultimate achievement and this game is a great test for each ahead of the playoffs.

The two clubs last met in December, with the Capitals earning a 3-1 victory on their home ice.

Now the Kings get a chance to do the same thing and even the season series.

To get you further set for what will be must-watch action on Thursday night, here are our Capitals vs. Kings predictions and odds.

Washington Capitals vs. Los Angeles Kings betting picks and predictions

Washington Capitals ML (+105)

It is hard to not expect Washington to continue what has been pure dominance. The team has won five straight games, scoring a whopping 24 goals in that run. This includes a mix of home and away games, and strong and weak teams. They are firing on all cylinders as they look to lock up first place in the Eastern Conference. 

With three straight wins, don’t count the Kings out, but before this, they went on a 0-3-2 run. Overall it's been a great year, but they are not exactly running through everyone, while they also had a quiet trade deadline.

Momentum is fully in favor of Washington, and while they are the road team, it has not been a long trip from the previous road game in Anaheim. The Capitals have better depth and has succeeded by leaning on a large number of guys.

The Kings meanwhile are more reliant on their star players and this difference in depth along with the current energy within the Capitals should drive Washington to a winning effort.

Over 5.5 (-125)

Washington’s offense has terrorized the NHL all season long, as they have the league’s best goals per game average of 3.7. In their last five games, they have been scoring even more, averaging almost 5.0 goals per game. They are feeling themselves, and the Kings will have a very tough time stopping this attack.

As for the Kings, their offense is highly competent, even at the NHL’s 17th-best rate of 2.9 goals per game. They have many threats throughout the lineup, and the Capitals have not been too solid defensively of late. 

In a home game that will be highly competitive, both teams will need to make sure their offensive attack is consistent and efficient. Both have shown great defense at times this season, but I see this total of 5.5 goals going over.

Alexander Ovechkin anytime goalscorer (+175)

Alexander Ovechkin is just nine goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer, and it is clear for all to see that this guy wants that record. He has 33 goals on the year which is tied for fifth, and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

In a big game against the Kings, he will need to be a force to help lead his team to victory. As usual, he will be throwing everything at the net, but I see him finding the scoresheet in the game.

During this five-game winning streak for Washington, he has scored just two of the 24 total goals. That is low by his standards, and after not scoring in his most recent game, I already think he is due.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.

Washington Capitals vs. Los Angeles Kings odds

WAS Capitals	+105 ML
LA Kings	-125 ML
Puck Line	LA -1.5 (+205)
Total	O/U 5.5

Washington Capitals vs. Los Angeles Kings player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Alexander Ovechkin (WAS Capitals)	+175
Andrei Kuzmenko (LA Kings)	+175
Tom Wilson (WAS Capitals)	+200
Adrian Kempe (LA Kings)	+220
Kevin Fiala (LA Kings)	+220
Dylan Strome (WAS Capitals)	+240

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.