2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Panthers vs. Capitals Odds

For the third consecutive year, the Florida Panthers are in the postseason.  In fact, the Panthers are the top seed in the Eastern Conference.  But as great as the season was for the Panthers, it was not easy.  Following a 7-0 NHL betting start, the Panthers were forced to fire head coach Joel Quenneville.  Quenneville paid the price for the Chicago Blackhawks sexual abuse scandal.  During his time there, Quenneville was judged to have not done enough immediately after the incident was reported.  His top assistant, Andrew Brunette, successfully replaced Quenneville.

Washington Capitals Odds to Win the Stanley Cup:  +3333

Washington Capitals Have Mixed History of Great Success and Heartbreak

At the beginning, the Caps were founded as an expansion franchise in 1974.  They have long had an online sportsbook reputation for being playoff chokers.  But they finally exercised those demons in 2018 with their only Stanley Cup championship.

Once upon a time, the Capitals were languishing in half-empty buildings with no real passion from fans.  And then came the arrival of Alex Ovechkin.  Indeed, The Great Eight has proven to be one of the most transformational athletes in sports history.  Ovechkin did what seemed impossible; he made the Capitals cool.

The Capitals were a losing betting on NHL franchise with low attendance until the early 1980s, when they finally became a regular playoff team.  As a result, attendance improved significantly.  And the franchise developed a following.  But years of heartbreak in the Stanley Cup Playoffs took their toll.

Namely, Alex Ovechkin was the first overall pick of the 2004 NHL Draft.  Washington yawned upon his arrival as nobody cared about the Caps.  In 2005-06, Ovechkin scored 52 goals as a rookie, and fans noticed.  Subsequently, the Caps started to win, and the arena became packed with fans rocking the red.

CashBet Wagering Analysis

Still, the Capitals remain an above-average team.  But they are not likely a Stanley Cup championship team.  To illuminate, Washington has become far too dependent upon Ovechkin and lacks secondary goal scoring.  Defensively the Capitals don’t allow many shots.  And that is to their credit.  However, Washington’s goaltending has been the middle of the pack.

Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals Series Schedule

All Times Eastern

Game 1:  May 3, 7:30 p.m. – Capitals at Panthers – ESPN2

Game 2:  May 5, 7:30 p.m. – Capitals at Panthers – TBS

Game 3:  May 7, 1 p.m. – Panthers at Capitals – ESPN

Game 4:  May 9, 7 p.m. – Panthers at Capitals – TBS

Game 5:  May 11, TBD – Capitals at Panthers – TV TBD

Game 6:  May 13, TBD – Panthers at Capitals – TV TBD

Game 7:  May 15, TBD – Capitals at Panthers – TV TBD

By The Book – A Mixed Record of Capital Punishment and Fading Glory

In sum, the Washington Capitals had a pro hockey betting record of 44-24-12 and 45-31 over and under the total.  Washington was 19-16-6 and 23-15-3 over and under the total on home ice.  Also, the Capitals were 25-8-6 and 22-17 over and under the total on the road.  Washington had NHL metrics of 10^th for goal scoring, 22^nd for power-play efficiency, 13^th for goals allowed, and 11^th for penalty killing.

Key Caps Looking For More Glory 

Alex Ovechkin hit the 50-goal mark this season.  To show, it was the second time he reached that hockey betting landmark in four years.  Ovechkin has 780 goals in the regular season and 285 goals in the playoffs.  Naturally, Ovechkin deserves respect for being a prolific goal scorer in an era in which goal scoring became increasingly difficult.

Defenseman John Carlson had a strong NHL gambling season with 16 goals, 54 assists, and a +15.  Additionally, Carlson brought six goals and 18 assists on the man advantage.

Of great concern is Washington’s goaltending.  Ilya Samsonov had a .896 save percentage, with Vitek Vanecek at .910.