NHL Betting Preview By: George Pappas Jr
The San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals coasted through much of the 2009-10 regular season en route to top seeds in their respective conferences. This season has been much different, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning heading into a crucial stretch run toward the postseason.
Visiting San Jose looks to continue it’s road success and recent dominance of Washington when the teams face off Tuesday night.
The Sharks are 7-0-1 over their last eight after a six-game losing streak, beating Boston 2-0 on Saturday. They’ve allowed only 2.0 goals per game during that stretch and are 6-1-1 in their last eight on the road, including a pair of shutouts from Antti Niemi.
Niemi is 6-0-1 with a 2.09 goals-against average in his last eight starts overall, and he’s 6-1-1 with a 1.47 GAA in his last eight on the road.
If San Jose’s recent history against the Capitals plays a role, it may be able to gain even more ground in the standings. The Sharks have won 12 of 13 against Washington, which is beginning to find a groove of its own.
The Capitals have earned a point in eight of nine games and won two straight after a 3-0 win against rival Pittsburgh on Sunday. Including a 5-2 victory Friday against Tampa Bay, the eight goals in back-to-back games are the most in a two-game stretch for Washington since Dec. 19-21.
Washington is three points behind first-place Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division.
The Sharks and Capitals split two meetings last season, with each winning on home ice.
Antero Nittymaki is in net for the Sharks as is Michal Neuvirth for the Capitals.
For free sports picks check out Victorious Picks
The San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals coasted through much of the 2009-10 regular season en route to top seeds in their respective conferences. This season has been much different, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning heading into a crucial stretch run toward the postseason.
Visiting San Jose looks to continue it’s road success and recent dominance of Washington when the teams face off Tuesday night.
The Sharks are 7-0-1 over their last eight after a six-game losing streak, beating Boston 2-0 on Saturday. They’ve allowed only 2.0 goals per game during that stretch and are 6-1-1 in their last eight on the road, including a pair of shutouts from Antti Niemi.
Niemi is 6-0-1 with a 2.09 goals-against average in his last eight starts overall, and he’s 6-1-1 with a 1.47 GAA in his last eight on the road.
If San Jose’s recent history against the Capitals plays a role, it may be able to gain even more ground in the standings. The Sharks have won 12 of 13 against Washington, which is beginning to find a groove of its own.
The Capitals have earned a point in eight of nine games and won two straight after a 3-0 win against rival Pittsburgh on Sunday. Including a 5-2 victory Friday against Tampa Bay, the eight goals in back-to-back games are the most in a two-game stretch for Washington since Dec. 19-21.
Washington is three points behind first-place Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division.
The Sharks and Capitals split two meetings last season, with each winning on home ice.
Antero Nittymaki is in net for the Sharks as is Michal Neuvirth for the Capitals.
For free sports picks check out Victorious Picks
