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Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Alex Ovechkin’s quest for 900 goals continues Friday night as the Washington Capitals visit the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET and the game will stream live on ESPN+.
It’s more than a regular-season matchup — it’s a meeting between two surging Eastern Conference clubs. The Capitals (5-2-0) have won five of their last six and are climbing the Metropolitan standings, while the Blue Jackets (3-3-0) enter on a two-game win streak and are looking to protect home ice.
Ovechkin, sitting at 898 career goals, scored his first two NHL goals against Columbus back in 2005. Two more on Friday would make him the first player in NHL history to reach 900.
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Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened Washington as a slight road favorite, with betting action leaning toward the over due to both teams’ recent offensive surges.
Current Odds:
- Washington Capitals Moneyline: -117
- Columbus Blue Jackets Moneyline: -104
- Puck Line: Capitals -1.5 (+205) / Blue Jackets +1.5 (-260)
- Total: Over/Under 6.0
For updated markets and live movement, check the NHL scores and odds hub.
The Capitals Can Win If…
The Capitals’ resurgence has come from structure, special teams, and goaltending. Washington bounced back from a sloppy showing against Vancouver with a 4-1 win over Seattle, marking their fifth win in six games.
Coach Spencer Carbery credited his team’s “reset mentality,” noting how they’ve cleaned up puck management and tightened their defensive zone coverage. Washington’s blue line — anchored by Jakob Chychrun and Nick Jensen — has held opponents to 12 goals through seven games, the fewest in the league.
The power play is heating up too. The Caps have scored in four straight with the man advantage, and Ovechkin’s one-timer remains lethal. Chychrun, who joined the top unit this week, scored against Seattle on a setup from Ovechkin.
Offensively, Tom Wilson (10 points) and Ryan Leonard have provided balance behind Ovechkin. In net, Logan Thompson has been sharp, posting a .918 save percentage and stabilizing Washington after an uncertain start.
If the Capitals maintain their pace and win the special-teams battle, they’ll be positioned to take control early.
For deeper team analytics and situational trends, visit the NHL teams page.
Capitals Injury Report
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Pierre-Luc Dubois (C) | Questionable | Lower Body |
| Rasmus Sandin (D) | Out | Upper Body |
The Blue Jackets Can Win If…
The Blue Jackets are starting to click offensively after a quiet opening stretch. Their 5-1 victory over Dallas showcased what they can do when their forecheck and defensive structure sync up.
Boone Jenner, Adam Fantilli, and Kent Johnson each tallied a goal and an assist in that win, while Elvis Merzlikins turned away 22 of 23 shots. Rookie goaltender Jet Greaves (1-2-0, 2.04 GAA, .928 SV%) is expected to start against Washington as part of Columbus’ rotation.
Coach Dean Evason praised his team’s discipline and patience against high-skill teams, saying,
“We were able to play the right way and not give up big chances. That’s what we’ll need again against Washington.”
Columbus ranks 7th in power play efficiency and 3rd in fewest goals allowed this season. If they can limit Ovechkin’s touches and create off transition, they have the blueprint to pull the upset.
Check out the NHL expert betting guide for advanced goalie splits and line-matching insights before puck drop.
Blue Jackets Injury Report
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Erik Gudbranson (D) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Miles Wood (LW) | Questionable | Facial |
| Luca Marrelli (D) | Out | Shoulder |
Betting Trends
- Washington is 4-1 straight up in its last five games.
- Capitals are 3-0 on the puck line in their last three.
- Columbus is 4-1 ATS in its last five contests.
- The Over has hit in four of Washington’s last six games.
- Blue Jackets have gone Under in three straight.
For historical team matchups and ROI-based betting data, visit the NHL picks page.
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Prediction and Analysis
This matchup could turn on who wins special teams and goaltending. Washington’s balanced offense and confidence under Carbery give them the edge, but Columbus’ defensive form and home energy make them a live dog.
Expect Ovechkin to press early as he chases 900 — and given his track record against Columbus, he might just get there.
Projected Score: Capitals 4, Blue Jackets 3
Best Bet: Capitals Moneyline (-117)
Total Lean: Over 6.0 (-110)
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