Tip: The steady Washington Capitals visit the “rock ’n’ roll team,” the Columbus Blue Jackets!
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The Metropolitan Division, which was considered the weakest in the NHL before the season, has delivered pleasant surprises — both the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils have exceeded expectations, while the Carolina Hurricanes are living up to theirs. But perhaps the most impressive team so far is last year’s sensation, the Washington Capitals, who look to continue their consistent play from last season when they won the Conference.
Best underlying numbers in the entire NHL
The Washington Capitals continue to impress as a well-balanced, hard-working team that wears down opponents week after week with their heavy, physical style. Offensive production remains well-distributed across several lines, with agitator Tom Wilson currently leading the team in scoring, followed by Dylan Strome and the underrated Aliaksei Protas. We should also tip our hats to rookie Ryan Leonard, who’s steadily growing into his NHL role. He’s opened the season with three goals in his first seven games — and has had chances for even more.
Another key factor ahead of tonight’s matchup is the expected return of the important two-way center Pierre-Luc Dubois, who’s been out briefly with an injury. Dubois is a vital part of Washington’s structure, balancing offensive creativity with defensive stability — and his return further strengthens the Capitals’ 5-on-5 play, where they already dominate.
In fact, Washington currently leads the entire NHL in 5v5 expected goals percentage (xGF%) with 60.59%, according to Natural Stat Trick. That’s the mark of a team that doesn’t just win games — they control them, creating the most and allowing the least in even-strength play.
Rock ’n’ Roll in Columbus – but risky business
That said, the Columbus Blue Jackets shouldn’t be underestimated. There’s a lot to like about this team — a fast, energetic, and often highly entertaining group with young, offensively gifted players such as Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko, while veterans like Sean Monahan and Boone Jenner provide strength, leadership, and experience. On the blue line, Zach Werenski once again leads by example with poise and skill.
The issue, however, is that Columbus still tends to give up too many easy chances at times. When the pace picks up and the opposition gets heavier, those mistakes can become costly — and against a structured team like Washington, who rarely gives anything away, those small errors can easily decide the game.
The big positive surprise keeping Columbus’ numbers respectable so far has been goaltender Jet Greaves, who’s been one of the hottest goalies in the league early in the season. He deserves full credit for that — and yes, it’s always a bit risky to bet against a goalie in form — but there’s reason to believe his current level isn’t sustainable long-term. Washington has both the power and efficiency to break through even a hot netminder.
Betting pick and conclusion
Columbus Blue Jackets - Washington Capitals
Friday 23:00, NHL
Columbus is a team I genuinely enjoy watching — full of offensive talent and optimism for the future. But in this matchup, they face an opponent that looks just a bit too complete right now. The Capitals have the structure, experience, and underlying numbers on their side, and with Dubois back in the lineup, they gain even more balance and weight.
I think Columbus will put up a fight — but in the end, Washington’s solid foundation should be too much to overcome.
Pick: Washington Capitals ML @ @ -111 at FanDuel!
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