Boston vs. Washington: NHL Match Prediction
On December 24, we are expecting an interesting event in the NHL - Boston will fight Washington on its home ice. Such a sign simply cannot be ignored, because most of the matches between the clubs are held in a spectacular and tense struggle. Moreover, this season the teams have not met yet, so it will be interesting to observe who is better prepared for this confrontation. What to bet on in this match? You will find out the answer from our forecast

Command Analysis

Boston Bruins

Current form
Boston has had a lot of problems this season that it is trying to solve, but it has not been able to fully correct all of its mistakes. Because of this, the team cannot fully secure a place in the playoff zone. However, it has improved lately and is now in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and has earned a total of 40 points, so it is already five points ahead of its competitor in ninth place. Let us recall that the Bruins have won three of their previous four games.
They pulled themselves together and crushed Vancouver on the road (5:1), and also dealt with Calgary in the fight with a score of 4:3 in overtime. Of course, then followed an unpleasant and offensive defeat against Edmonton (2:3 OT), but it did not stop the "bears", since in the confrontation with Buffalo they won with a score of 3:1 and dealt with their opponent, as they say, with class.
Let us emphasize that, in general, the efficiency of Joe Sacco team has improved, and it has begun to score at least three goals quite often. However, it scores most of its goals in equal compositions, since it does not use the numerical advantage very well, to put it mildly. Today, Boston occupies the penultimate line in the league in terms of the game in 5x4 and 5x3 formats and has only 12.9% of the implementation. Shortcomings in this aspect of the game greatly hinder the Bruins in matches with the leaders.
Disqualifications and injuries
Hampus Lindholm will not play in the upcoming match due to injury
Interesting trends for betting
- Boston has a 24-36 goal-against-goal ratio in the third period.
The Bruins have a weak third period and often lose in it.
- Boston makes 27 hits per game
The "Bears" act quite harshly towards their opponents and use force at every opportunity

Washington Capitals

Current form
Washington hasn't ceased to amaze with its results this season and currently leads the Eastern Conference standings. The team is ahead of its closest pursuer, New Jersey, by just one point, so it won't be possible to relax. However, it seems that it has no intention of slowing down. Recently, the Capitals faced two defeats in a row against Dallas (1:3) and Chicago (2:3) on the road, but after that they pulled themselves together and dealt with both Carolina (3:1) and Los Angeles (3:1) at home, while in both cases they got away with just one missed goal.
Despite the fact that the "capitals" continue to play without one of the club main scorers, Alexander Ovechkin, they demonstrate decent efficiency and on average differ by no less than three goals scored. The team is also the least conceding in its conference and even in the minority shows a meaningful game, having 84.6% of the opponent majority neutralization.
Usually, the "Louse" performs most successfully in the first and third game periods, in which it has an excellent ratio of goals scored and conceded, but the second twenty minutes are not always under its control. But this year, Spencer Carbery team plays no worse on the road than at home, since it has already managed to win 12 victories in 16 matches.
Disqualifications and injuries
Ovechkin, Backstrom, Oshie, Eller and Milano out of upcoming game due to injury
Interesting trends for betting
- Washington has a 21.2% power play percentage.
According to this indicator, the team currently occupies 17th place in the championship.
- "Lice" receives an average of 8.36 minutes of penalty time
According to statistics, the team is sent off at least four times per match
Trends
Bet 1st period: total under 1.5 goals
In the four previous matches between the clubs, the first period was unproductive
1.90Bet 2nd period: total over 1.5 goals
In four out of five matches between the teams, the second period was spectacular.
1.55Tip and bets
We think Washington has a good chance of a favorable outcome in this matchup. The Bruins have been very inconsistent lately, while the Capitals have managed to win two victories in a row on their home court and dealt with powerful opponents in the form of Carolina and Los Angeles. On the road this season, Spencer Carbery team has distinguished itself with excellent results and often achieves success within 60 minutes. We think that it is worth betting on a victory for the Capitals at such a coefficient.
Prediction - Washington win with handicap (0) for 2.20
Bet on individual total
Washington managed with a minimum number of goals conceded in previous matches. In the two previous matches, the team was left with only one goal conceded. The Bruins, as is known, score very little in matches with leaders, even when playing at home. In the last four matches out of five, Sacco team did not score four goals, so it makes sense to bet on its individual total again.
We take the individual total of "Boston" under 3.5 goals for 1.60
Total Bet
Matches between the clubs are often tense and have a minimum number of goals scored. The teams play physical hockey with each other and do not give much free space on the ice, which is why the number of dangerous moments at the gate is reduced to a minimum. The last three matches between Boston and Washington ended with less than five goals, so now we offer to bet on the total under.
We bet on a total of less than 6.5 goals with a coefficient of 1.52