Calgary Flames vs Washington Capitals

Washington is on a 9-5 run winning as underdogs of +145, +160, +125, +125, +150, +160, and +180. They come off a pair of 2-1 victories at Seattle and Vancouver as dogs of +160 and +180. The Capitols are 16-10 after having lost two of three, plus 9-5 after scoring two or fewer goals in two consecutive contests. Calgary is on a 3-4 run with the defense giving up 28 goals. The defense is 20th in the NHL in goals surrendered (3.15 per game) and 21st in save percentage (.900). Calgary is 5-12 after scoring four or more goals in two straight games, plus 11-17 after a win by three goals or more. Play Washington. 

Calgary comes off a 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday and the Penguins scored all five goals in the third period in a late collapse by the Flames and goalie Jacob Markstrom, who allowed four of them and the Penguins added an empty-net goal. Markstrom likely will be in net again to redeem himself tonight against Washington, which has played only one game and lost 4-0 to the Penguins. Darcy Kuemper is the probable starting goalie for the Capitals after Charlie Lindgren played the first game. The Flames won six of their final seven games following a loss by at least three goals last season and they were 6-1 after scoring two or fewer. The Capitals have lost 22 of 29 overall and five of six at home. Also, Washington was 2-9 playing with two days rest and 3-13 after scoring two or fewer goals its previous game. Play the Flames.

Washington defeated Philadelphia 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday, but it followed a four-game losing streak and the Capitals have won just three of their past 10 and they are ahead of only Columbus in the Metropolitan Division. Calgary has won four of its past six games although the Flames do come off a 2-1 shootout loss to Piitsburgh two nights ago. Dan Vladar had 38 saves for the Flames, who likely will have Jacob Markstrom back in net tonight and he is 8-4-2 with a 3.03 goals-against average. Calgary is 26-10 its past 36 games against teams with losing records and the road team is 10-4 the past 14 meetings. Washington has lost four straight with one day of rest and the Caps are 2-8 their past 10 after giving up two or fewer goals their previous game. Play the Flames.