The Coach's NHL Thurday Night - *SPECIAL OFFER*
(NHL) Washington vs. Columbus,
Total: 5.50 | 120.00 Over
Result: Loss
The Columbus Blue Jackets recent success has depended almost solely on a solid defense rather than offensive outbursts as they've scored only 15 goals during regulation over their seven game winning streak. The Washington Capitals have done quite well for themselves lately as well, winning four of their last six allowing only 10 goals. Columbus won the last meeting 3-2 in overtime a week ago, but I doubt we'll even see that many goals tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Goaltending - Sergei Bobrovsky's importance for this Columbus team can not be overstated. Bob has started each of the teams last seven games posting a 1.63 GAA and is coming off his first shutout for the season. He has won three straight meetings against Washington behind a 1.63 GAA. Braden Holtby has been a key figure for the Caps lately as well, making six consecutive starts backed by a 1.79 GAA.

2. Trends - The Blue Jackets are despite their recent surge still posting a losing record for the season, and none of the Capitals last seven games against a team with a losing record have gone over the total. Only one of Columbus' last five overall have gone over.

3. X-Factor - Alexander Ovechkin is, not surprisingly, leading the Caps with 14 goals. Bobrovsky has dominated him over recent match-ups though, holding the superstar without a point over three straight games and stopped nine shots from the Russian last Thursday.

Selection: This is a play on WSH@CBJ to go under the total.