The Eastern Conference's top-ranked squad, the Washington Capitals (25-10-2), host the third-ranked unit from the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild (23-11-4), on Thursday, January 2 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+.

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Here's our pick for who will secure the win in Thursday's game.

In the past 10 outings for the Wild (4-6-0), their offense has totaled 22 goals while their defense has allowed 34 goals. They have registered 26 power-play opportunities during that time, and have scored five goals (19.2%).

Capitals vs. Wild Predictions for Thursday

Our computer model for this encounter predicts a final tally of Capitals 4, Wild 2.

Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-149)
Total Pick: Over 5.5 (computer predicts 6 goals on average)
Spread Pick: Capitals (-1.5)

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Capitals Splits and Trends

The Capitals have a 25-10-2 record overall, with a 3-2-5 record in matchups that have gone to overtime.
Washington has 16 points (7-3-2) in the 12 games it has played that were decided by one goal.
In the four games this season the Capitals scored just one goal, they finished 0-3-1.
Washington finished 1-5-0 in the six games this season when it scored exactly two goals (registering two points).
The Capitals have scored more than two goals 26 times, and are 24-1-1 in those games (to record 49 points).
In the 15 games when Washington has scored a single power-play goal, it has an 11-4-0 record (22 points).
In games when it has outshot its opponent, Washington is 16-4-0 (32 points).
The Capitals' opponents have had more shots in 15 games. The Capitals went 8-5-2 in those matchups (18 points).

Wild Splits and Trends

The Wild have earned a record of 5-4-9 in overtime contests to contribute to an overall mark of 23-11-4.
Minnesota has earned 18 points (8-3-2) in its 13 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
Across the 11 games this season the Wild finished with just one goal, they have earned four points.
Minnesota has two points (1-1-0) in two games this season when it has scored a pair of goals.
The Wild have scored more than two goals in 24 games, earning 44 points from those contests.
This season, Minnesota has capitalized on a lone power-play goal in 14 games has a record of 9-3-2 in those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Minnesota is 11-3-2 (24 points).
The Wild have been outshot by opponents in 22 games, going 12-8-2 to record 26 points.

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Team Stats Comparison

Paul Allen