Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals 10/8/21 - NHL Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 10/08/2021 at 9:34 PM ET

On Friday, the Philadelphia Flyers visit the Washington Capitals for an NHL preseason matchup. Philadelphia is 2-3 in the preseason following a 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Philadelphia was outshot in the loss by New York 30-24. Flyers goalie Martin Jones made 14 saves on the 17 shots the Islanders put on net. Jones’ save percentage was a disappointing .824.

Through the first five games of the Philadelphia preseason, the penalty-kill unit has allowed six power-play goals and given that the penalty-kill unit was below average last season at just 73.1%, which was 30th in the NHL, the Flyers must work on that facet of their game quickly. Philadelphia has allowed an average of 2.40 goals per game this preseason and is scoring an average of 1.80 goals per game.

Washington snapped a four-game losing streak in the preseason with a 4-3 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins for the Capitals first preseason win. Washington was outshot by Boston 36-30 but Anthony Mantha scored 1:41 into the extra period to give the Capitals the win. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Tom Wilson and TJ Oshie also scored for the Capitals, while goalie Vitek Vanecek made 33 saves in the victory.

Washington's preseason has been disappointing with four losses in five outings but the regulars suited up against the Bruins and the Capitals displayed a strong attack from their centers and wings and the defense was able to come up big late. Washington is scoring an average of 2.40 goals per game and allowing an average of 3.60 goals per game.

Philadelphia has had problems with killing off penalties and the Flyers have also played poorly in the attack zone during the preseason scoring an average of only 1.80 goals per game. Washington is scoring an average of 2.40 goals per game but the Capitals blueline and goaltenders are giving up too much at an average of 3.60 goals per game. Therefore, the play here is OVER, the OVER has cashed in 11 of Washington's last 15 versus an opponent from the Metropolitan division. Final Score Prediction, Washington Capitals win but our best play is OVER 4-3

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