The Washington Capitals visit a slumping Vancouver Canucks squad on Saturday night.
The pregame narrative: Alex Ovechkin keeps marching closer in his quest to top Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. I’m betting he adds to his lamp-lighter total on Sunday. Additionally, I’m bullish on Jakob Chychrun’s point prop in a plus matchup.
Check out my Capitals vs. Canucks props for Jan. 25.
Capitals vs. Canucks prop picks
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Best bet: Ovechkin to score 1+ goals (+138)
Ovechkin being an elite goalscorer this late in his career is awe-inspiring.
The Great Eight continues to burn goaltenders with his wicked shot. He has 22 goals in 32 games despite fracturing his fibula earlier this campaign.
There’s been no discernable drop-off in his play since returning. Ovi has seven goals in 14 contests since coming back to the lineup on Dec. 28.
He found the net in his most recent contest and there’s reason to believe another marker is on the way.
The Canucks have one glaring weakness this season and that’s goaltending.
They own the second-worst save percentage (.881) in the NHL, according to Natural Stat Trick.
That’s something the NHL’s greatest goalscorer should be able to take advantage of.
Washington’s power play should present some issues for the Canucks in this contest. The Capitals have the 10th-ranked PP and Ovechkin’s lethal shot remains a staple of its success.
Bet on Ovechkin tickling some twine on Saturday.
Key stat: Vancouver has allowed 23 goals across its last six games.
Quick pick
Chychrun to score 1+ points (+106): Where Chychrun goes, offence follows.
Plus-minus has its limitations, but Chychrun is tied for sixth across the league in the category (+21). Simply put, good things happen offensively when he’s on the ice.
That’s something I care about when betting on a player to score a point.
I also care about point production and he’s supplying that, too. The rearguard has 32 points in 43 contests and has been very effective lately.
Chychrun has 11 points in 14 games over the last month of the season.
He skates on Washington’s top power play and is second on the team in ice time per game (20:50).
He’ll see plenty of action and should be able to take advantage of Vancouver’s miserable goaltending situation.
Picks made at 12:04 p.m. ET on 01/25/2025.
Stevie’s an avid NFL, NHL, and tennis bettor who has no problem talking himself into the underdog. His previous stops include Yahoo! Sports Canada and Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received a degree in Sport Media.